Honestly, I stay clear of any type of sexual screens in movies or on TV. As I am a single woman that could be tempted back into my old ways. I agree Alisa, I will stick with Hosea in the Bible. ✝️🙏🏼❤️
As a former sex addict, i refuse to watch any sex scenes or even kissing scenes. I am often called fuddy duddy by family members but i know my struggles and i overcame them, thanks to Jesus.
@Carlos Smith Yo Carlos if u would like to talk lemme know. I have the same issue and I’m battling with it every day. Want to get baptized this year really need a person a friend who can understand and be there. If not then it’s all good. God bless u!
@@musicohollic I'm a woman, but I understand what your going thru. I support & encourage you. Get baptized soon! Really learn and apply the word. I pray God brings your Godly wife soon.
I wished I seen this before I watched the movie... When I was watching this movie, I was looking back at my childhood. When I was 12 years old, I was molested by a family member. During this movie I was crying because I felt her pain and suffering. What the lady was saying was exactly how I felt. I thought God didn't love me because someone took a piece of me. When she was washing your body. That's how I felt in the shower. The end of the movie got to me even more, that God care about us and he does love us. When she said that she can't have any kids. That's what the Dr said about me. Now that I'm 23 years old and married to a great Christian man. During this movie, I didn't know I was pregnant. It changed my life for better. I'm going to church and I am now learning about God. The past doesn't define who I am today. God does see me and he loves me. God gave me a baby. I found out the last day of January.
What I am hoping is that you will fully know as was portrayed so clearly in this film - beauty for all your ashes and only the oil of joy and gladness and beauty from hereon
I went with my husband and we were absolutely shocked by how many sensual scenes there were. We almost left in the middle of the movie. It was pretty uncomfortable, but definitely eye opening about the girls who got stuck into the system of prostitution. The movie left out a lot of important parts from the book about God redeeming the main girl. The movie was more about her finding the power within herself to leave prostitution and learn to love herself and her husband. The book gives you a lot more Jesus and her internal thoughts about coming to love Jesus. TBH, the book helped me learn a lot about God's love, but the movie was just really uncomfortable and didn't talk about God as much as I figured a Christian movie would've. I wish I wouldn't have gone. :( Thank you for your review!
Movie was so "bad" but you never left it. Makes no sense. But I bet you all had a great energy that evening when it was time for bed. This blows me away and you all or most of you all have seen every 50 Shades movie without a doubt.
@@waffleman0214 What you said was rude and uncalled for and you have not seen the movie. Because I can assure you that what the movie portrays is the nastiness of sex outside of marriage and the evil hardship of prostitution. It is not something that makes you feel what you said. The movie in no way was intended to be a “Christian movie “. It is a movie about this book written 25 years ago that leaves out a whole lot that is really really really important regarding God. What the movie make you feel is the wonderful forgiving strong love this man had. But like Anna, I would recommend instead of the movie, to read the book. The book touches your soul and reaches your heart. You will grieve with and you will rejoice with Sara and Michael. And it will cause you to grow closer to God if you’re able to see the nuggets of biblical truth that the author puts into the book.
I agree with you. What the movie makes you feel is the wonderful forgiving strong love this man had. But I also would recommend instead of the movie, to read the book. The book touches your soul and reaches your heart. You will grieve with and you will rejoice with Sara and Michael. And it will cause you to grow closer to God if you’re able to see the nuggets of biblical truth that the author puts into the book. I ordered the book the same day I watched the movie and received it the next day. I received it on Friday and I finished reading it on Sunday evening. 🤗 It’s not a steamy romantic novel. Not at all. It is a story of hardship and redemption through the love of God. If a person has a heart towards God they get a taste of that from watching the movie. I knew that books are always better. And it is. It is an amazing book that I will return to reading again and again. I actually, LOL, also purchased the audio. I love the story that much. I was once more reminded of and touched by the power of God‘s love. Growing in Jesus is not always easy. It is sometimes very very hard.
There is nothing wrong with sex between husband and wife; unless it’s you watching another husband and wife having it. Stand firm in your faith and stop being swayed by the world.
That hits the nail right on the head! There are things that we are free to do but others are not free to observe! I worry our digital social media age is causing confusion on this point.
And lets not forget, that the actors are highly unlikely to actuially be married... And it needs to be filmed by a film crew, directed, lighting etc. There is no "Moral" sex scene in acting. Plus, there is never a reason that you need any titillating scenes. If a sex scene is needed for the storyline (I personally don't sgree with this line, but) then a scene can be created without any inappropriate flesh scenes...
You are 100% right! As Christian women, we are to glorify God in all we do. “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalms 119:37
Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Psalm 119:36-37 is the Words God used to show me that He is ALL that matters! “Direct my heart towards Your Precepts and away from gain….Avert my eyes from what is worthless - by Your Ways, give me life!”
I thought it way too steamy in the Trailor. I am unmarried and after seeing the trailor, I had to take a few thoughts captive and keep it moving. Not for me as a single.
@@garlandofbooks4494 amen! I read the book as a younger married woman. While not graphic, per se, it still gave glimpses into a man's sexual desire, that could be gateways into more graphic lit.
I watched this movie the other night and sat in the theatre for ten minutes after sobbing over my own sin thinking about how much God loves us and how patient and kind He is with us. How merciful He is with us. Yes there were some surprising scenes. And yes I hear what you are saying and agree, to a certain extent. I think it really depends on the person and what’s in their own heart as to whether they feel like they would be enticed by this movie. Even watching this movie and seeing the sex scenes I was personally not enticed I felt differently about it not persuaded in infatuation but it made me see what sex is for, that it is for marriage. As someone who grew Up in an unhealthy family molested and having to live with the man that molested me for over 20 years I resonated with this girl in the movie and it made me see Gods love for me in a different way, for me personally I feel even more set free from the lies of the enemyAbout marriage and even sex after seeing this movie it made me want to live even more in holiness bc of what Jesus has done and that He has been with me all along. I mean I knew that already but seeing something like this on screen as a visual person just brings it to life more for me personally. And it also made me want a higher standard in a husband seeing how he loved his wife so unconditionally he was so patient and kind his patience stood out to me extremely due to past abusive controlling relationships, Maybe not everybody needs to see this movie but I definitely think that if anyone has been hurt in such a way God can definitely use it to bring freedom and even healing in a way that I feel it did for me. If it goes against your conscience, don’t watch it. But it doesn’t for me. I have a friend who once watched frozen and the Lord used that movie as she watched it with her children to get free from unforgiveness. He can use whatever He wants I don’t want to put Him in a box and even though I thought it was weird at the time I saw the difference in her and how she truly forgave and moved forward. I want to be careful in judging other peoples hearts and situations I don’t feel like this movie will impact everyone the same it probably could cause someone to lust and it could also bring freedom to someone else I think it depends on their heart. 💕
Agreed. I have been through “hell” with sexual misuse from my earliest memories until age 22 when I got Saved by Jesus and then married. I was not at all triggered or aroused or even offended by the sex scenes (I’ve actually seen worse on prime time TV, but I digress). I liken it to a soldier watching violent content. I absolutely cannot watch violence at all, but someone who has been imbedded in a military operation and experienced war might have no problem viewing it onscreen for the telling of a story- I have been imbedded in a social/sexual war and can tolerate more than most virginal Christians can probably. Like I said in my post, unfortunately without all of the dialogue and prayer between Michael Hosea and the Lord, this just becomes another Hollyweird love story. I am much more concerned that victims of sexual misuse or prostitution or sex trafficking could actually believe that without Christ, a man like this actually exists (spoiler alert, they don’t) and more damage could be done on the back end of a marriage after abuse. Watching this movie made me go back to my Savior in prayer, discussion and reverence and made me see the next level of work and healing I am ready to do with HIM.
I am in ministry in Japan, and the movie has not reached this country yet, so I’m speaking out of ignorance here, but one obvious thought is that it takes an actor and an actress, presumably who are not married, being Inappropriately intimate To portray a sex scene. So, why would we want to condone that?
Good point! The bible tells us to flee from sexual immorality, but then we as Christians support programs that have people acting out and then being immoral for entertainment value. I was watching a show the other day and thought it was weird how people can kiss someone other than their spouse?. I would not be ok with my husband making out with another woman, even if it paid him alot. I love him to much.
I agree with you. God bless you and the ministry you are in. Are you Japanese? I think that Japan, it's history and people are interesting. My son taught himself Japanese language when he was around 19 years old.
I was actually given a hard time by a woman in my church about not going because out of all the ladies I'm the only one who said no... but I prayed and the Holy Spirit said not to go. That's the problem, Alisa, the people don't ask God first!
Amen. You did the right thing. It's so important to think about God's perspective and ask ourselves what He would want for us. We need to stop making decisions without consulting God.
Newsflash, Church are just as stupid as the rest of humanity...be careful with confusing Church with Christianity. If manipulated properly a "church" can turn into a branch of The Communist party in one or two generations. Paul Washer has a lot of arguments of why. I'm adding the idea of where said church ends.
I am humbled as I read comments on here from people who are genuinely trying to follow Christ and put his words into practice. I cannot say that I have been doing the same, and am bothered that my initial reaction to the idea of the movie is to shrug my shoulders. Lust is not a toy to be played with... Jesus said so himself... I need to examine my heart. Thank you for making this review and for opening this up as a conversation.
Both Israel (approximately 1300 BC) and Ugarit(approximately 6000 BC) had a highest god called El. They shared seventy "sons of El." called by similar divine titles. Both religions talk about the multi-headed chaos dragon and use the same cognate titles for him. In both religions, their divine beings met on a mountain called by the same name, in tents called by the same name, in a well-watered mountain at the source of several rivers watering the earth- upon which the temples of both religions were connected to mimic a heavenly archetype. Now remember Jesus affirmed the Old Testament and everything in it.
@Emily canwell Beautiful comment, I agree, so much can be learned by reading what other people say. About three years ago the Lord really began reigning in what I watched. We don’t realize how much we are influenced and brainwashed by society. Babylon has entered into the church and no one sees it. Good for you Emily, continue to allow Jesus to clean you up!!!
I read the book many years ago and it helped me overcome many misunderstandings I had re. sex between a husband and wife. The movie conveyed the sanctity of marriage which also conveyed how God loves us unconditionally, but also purely and prostitution, fornication, and adultery are man's depraved efforts to use God's gifts for selfish gain and perversion. At the end, the movie does not show Hoseah and his wife consummating their marriage! In the book she finally returns of her own volition and as she walks across a field to her husband she removes her clothes. Hoseah takes off his shirt and puts it around her. However, in the movie she does not remove her clothes; Hoseah welcomes her into his arms. To me either conveyance sought to express how we need to return to God of our own decision; God does not force Himself on anyone. However, when we come , we come with no merit of our own, no good works. God is waiting and ever ready to welcome us back when we come to Him in loving humility. The movie conveys the ugliness and corruption of mankind, but also expresses that God has not forgotten us and He sees and draws people from all walks of life because He is not willing people to perish; they must choose. I believe that this is what the movie sought to convey and, while it may have been more graffic than some would wish, I believe it sometimes takes that degree in order to get our attention to see our own depraved condition and to see how it is totally contrary to what God intended...yet He still seeks to draw us to Himself.
I read the Redeeming Love book over a year ago and I loved it. It wrecked me, and when I re-read it early this year, I still felt the same way about it. I was so excited for the movie and even made plans to see it on opening weekend. As time got closer to the opening, though, I started to get weary about it, so I looked up reviews. Thank God for the Focus on the Family review, because it made me change my mind about seeing the movie. Now, I do love this book, and I think that I always will, but for the movie to push sex as a main aspect of it was completely wrong. Yes, sex exists, but we cannot deny what the Bible says about it. We should not succumb to society and push sex to have higher sales. Why not let the story speak for itself? God doesn't need sex to get people to love Him, so why should we use sex that way? I will say when it comes to "biblical retelling of Hosea," I do not and never have seen Redeeming Love that way. The book does not portray it as a retelling of the story, but more of an inspiration of the fact. It never was meant to completely portray all of Hosea, so keep that in mind. In the book, the main focus was the redemptive love that Angle was able to find after continually struggling through God. The focus wasn't the sex, and you can tell through the progression of the storyline of how Angle comes to find God and overcomes her own demons, finding peace and love. It is a book that I recommend to a lot of people, and I likely will continue to do so, but I cannot say that I support the movie, nor that the movie sounds anything like the book. As someone who has struggled with lust and porn addiction, this book wrecked me and helped me realize that if God can take a broken prostitute and make her whole, then He can do the same for me. I cannot, however, stand by a movie that exploits sex. I do what I can to avoid temptation, so I am saying no to this movie.
@@musondakabemba5788hey, sorry for the late reply. I didn't get the notification. Kindly reread my comment. I never said I watched the movie, just that I read the book. In my opinion, any movie that portrays sex is excessive. Sex is to be between one man and one woman in the confines of marriage. It isn't for the whole world to view, and anything other than what God depicts is immorality. God says in His Word that even looking at a woman with lust is a sin, so why should we subject ourselves to watching sex?
As a single Christian man I have no business seeing something like this. I need to "make a convenient with my eyes". I have enough opportunities for temptation by just living in the world without purposely putting this before eyes. Thanks for your review.
Exactly. It's a worldly film adaptation of a heavenly story. And as you'd expect, it is not of God. It is of man who does not know God. And will in turn lead others away from God and toward the world. As a sinner myself, I couldn't watch that movie or read that book without being heavily tempted. Sin is dangerous. It's a fire that can get out of control.
@@all4jesusall4him37 I'm a married Christian woman and I still wouldn't watch it. There are some things that are just wrong to expose ourselves to regardless of our marital status. The mind is where all sin starts...
As a Costume Designer, I have never met an actor who is comfortable making these scenes and I have had to council some. They battle huge emotional turmoil. Even the actors 50 shades talked about needing alcohol and showers before they could hold their babies. So our lust directly fuels someone's struggle.
Ummmm.. I don't think this is the same🤔... 50 shades is _actual_ porn (not to mention, a sucky story) . I wouldn't expect anything _anywhere_ close to that in this film.
@@politereminder6284 not the same, but similar. I think it’s still a good point. And it doesn’t mean the actors here, while maybe not engaging in porn, aren’t also traumatized to a degree by what they’re having to do
@@nateg.6187 Glad you liked it. I really loved the book, so very much. I expect the film to also be wonderful. I hope it does well at the box office in spite of the Cancel culture happening here.
That is so heartbreaking. At some point one has to make choices about integrity and dignity and making a buck. To lose one’s soul for money… such a heartbreaking reality
As a man, it is encouraging to me to know there are still Christian women like you out there who are discerning and refuse to give in to the temptations of the culture, no matter how popular they are with many of your sisters in the faith. Thank you for taking a stand and encouraging others to pursue holiness.
I’m so relieved to see other Christians taking this stance. And so amazed I found this video by “chance” and recognized your name! I was a huge ZOEgirl fan as a preteen, so it’s wonderful to find you on this platform after all these years. Thank you for the influence you’ve had on me and many others!
As a Christian woman who has suffered damage (molestation, rape, abuse, betrayal) throughout my life from men and woman with porn addictions of many forms, this movie is a slap in the face! The face of the baby that l was, the little girl, the pre teen, the teen, the young woman, young mom, and as midlife married woman with a pre teen daughter myself. At every stage the porn addict tried to justify what they did, and how they got there, with the same excuses as are being used in the making of this twisted movie and those who "enjoyed" watching it. Christ does not need this poison to show redemptive love. It is not Biblical. It is not the story of Hosea and Gomer. This movie, at minimum,, should recalled and finished decently. And if it supposed to me a retelling of Hosea, the adultery needs to be written in, and then the forgiveness and redemption. As is, this movie is a slap in the face of all porn victims and The True Redeemer, Christ.
The movie did include the adultery of Gomer / Angel as well as forgiveness and redemption shown clearly in the movie… I do agree that they gave too much license in the sex scenes that was not necessary! They need to remake it w an edited version removing those scenes I would highly recommend it. I myself was compelled to read all of Hosea after I read the book, so in that vein I’d say it might draw others to pick up a Bible and read for themselves!
I agree, and as a survivor of child trafficking, being told I need forgiveness is not the right message. It only brings back shame and guilt that was never mine to bear. Did they even talk to survivors? Jesus wants to heal us and put us back together and give us his peace. I'm sorry you were hurt. I'm praying you are in a safe place.
This is right on time…Inwas supposed to go see this with friends last night. Not really knowing what it was about. They just said it’s a Christian author…I was unable to go and now after seeing your video, I am glad, but then a little aggravated that we don’t “wake up.” Read the Bible if you want to know about Hosea…I totally agree. Women are so gullible
I wish you had watched it. It was made for women like us. It IS about our Redeemer, Christ, and His great love for each of us. It is not perfect, nor will it please everyone, and it certainly isn't Scripture, but I'm just sad that so many people are happy to judge when they haven't even seen it.
@@CALALAMILA brother, I don't think it's hard to discern what the OP meant. In Christ we have been set free to be slaves to Christ. This means our nature is progressively becoming more and more like His. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, and not something we muster up by doing more quiet times, etc. Our desires become Christ-honoring desires; the desires that bring true joy. Our life in Christ SHOULD be one of honoring Christ in all that we do. Whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of the Lord. The OP wasn't talking about legalism.
I am a Christian. (Non denominational) Redeeming Love is an absolutely beautiful movie. I didn’t find their love scenes after marriage inappropriate at all. They did not show anything at all in this movie. I don’t understand these comments. This movie was beautifully done. I was just frustrated with how many times she left this poor guy!!!! It was a beautiful story of romantic love and Godly love. It Literally shows how she comes back to God and that last time it’s her praying that gives her the idea to tell the truth. So essentially, God helped her out that last time and then she went back to her husband when she was fully ready and repentant toward God as well. I honestly don’t understand all the ugly comments about this movie. The entire movie was beautifully done with amazing actors, and it came together quite nicely. Poor girl had to go through a lot in her life and God brought her through it all and forgave her for a ton, sent a Godly man to her that lead her to eventually being a godly woman.
I completely agree. This review of the movie is based off hear-say. You cannot accurately give a review without seeing a movie. Also their consummation of the marriage is not the focal point of the movie. It is obvious that Micheal represents Jesus and Angel represents us without Jesus. We are all born in to sin, and blinded in a way, until we meet Jesus and surrender to Him. He comes after us in a loving and gentle way, to draw us to himself, but he never forces us. This is all represented in the movie. The scene where they consummate their marriage also represents Jesus because marital sex is a picture of Christ and His Bride. It is a Holy union. Micheal loves her unconditionally and waits for her heart to turn to him. He doesn’t force her in anyway, which is the point because this is how Jesus is with us. It shows nothing inappropriate and is actually beautiful. As far as lust is concerned; I think the bigger concern is that women are more than a collection of body parts for man’s pleasure. A woman is created in the image of God. If men see women as co heirs in Christ, and see that women in topless bars, prostitution and pornography are women who do not know their identity, they are in desperate need of a Savior, and how much this life hurts someone, then it would not create lust, but disgust.
I agree with you all I loved the movie for the passion love and truth that it is telling us it is a BEAUTIFUL story that does touch your heart to want to be loved like Christ loved the Church Amen
The scene would not have been able to be filmed fifty years ago. The regression into accepting the unacceptable has been slow but steady. Soft porn is still porn.
As one who works with men in various ministries - in a day when women are demeaned through pornography - it does not matter which context it is portrayed in, it is a trap for men to look at more and more images, forsake their true love and continue in a fantasy mindset about real love. Men in the church are trapped in this recurrence of feeding lust over and over again in their minds. Thanks Alisa ... you are spot on in your critique.
Took me many years to get out of that trap, but I got out of it 10 years ago. Wouldn't you know that less than a year after stopping that stuff I'd meet the girl of my dreams and eventually marry her. God is good, and he's even better when we obey him.
@@nateg.6187 Hebrews 13:4 instructs us to keep the marriage bed undefiled. As Christians we are to be holy in what we do. The Christian is to be typified by the act of love in all that he/she does, and this applies no less to the consummate act of love making with your marriage partner. Making filthy movies is not an act of love, private use or not, it is not respectful to the marriage and certainly not holy. Marriage is not a free pass to act out every and any desire in privacy, it is to reflect the purity of love held between the two and enrich the life of both in that it gives a greater understanding of divine love, through sacrifice, submission to one another etc. Your advice is cocky, worldly, and ultimately unholy and without heavenly wisdom because you speak as a goat to lead others astray. Your counsel is quite plainly wicked.
You guys, my husband and I both read the book and loved it. We heard that there was a movie (Francine Rivers, the Christian author as the director) and went to go see it thinking that since a Christian had directed the movie it would not be explicit. Boy were we wrong. I wish we would've taken the time to read reviews, but now I know we need to be more careful. We literally had to turn to look at each other and hold our hands up to not look at the screen during multiple sex scenes. And these scenes went on for a LONG amount of time. There were also multiple scenes where Angel was naked. I wish we had not gone. Let us remember what our good Lord says, "For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world." This movie was more of a hurtful story rather than a story of the redemptive work of Christ. The book was so good, and I'm sad we chose to watch the movie in theatres.
Thank you and thanks to the commenters on your post about telling the truth of the movie. However, I must ask you all, if it was so bad you had to hide your eyes if you felt traumatized if you were disgusted then why didn't you just get up and leave? It might have given someone else in the theater the courage to do the same. But for sure it would have helped you all in your walk with the Lord to flee this filth.
As someone who saw the movie, the sex scenes were not bad ! They literally showed nothing but the stomach or her legs. Her breast were covered by her long long hair and no butt was showing either. It was a beautiful movie !
The first “sermon” I ever taught was the redeeming story of Hosea & Gomer. I remember feeling horrible about how adulterous Israel & the world has been & how desperately I needed to repent. Not one time did I think it was about sex or anything like that. Man romanticizing scripture is almost as bad as not reading at all 🙄🙄🙄🙄
I disagree. The story of Israel is the story of humanity's relation to God. God describes himself in scripture as a jealous lover to get it through to us what he desires of a relationship with us. If man does not use art to romanticize our relationship with Him then of what use is it? Men have created art for that purpose since time immemorial, even in sinning against the Living God. So why would modern Christians creating contemporary art be worse than none at all? It would seem like a man refusing to sing a hymn to God's praise because he isn't the best singer? No?
@@gregkrause1348 I understand where you’re coming from but I’m not a fan of romanticism in any way that clouds the ability or the desire to understand God’s truth. I appreciate that the movie gives a disclaimer but for many reasons even a disclaimer won’t protect our mental cloudiness.❤️
As a survivor of sexual abuse, the book has been my favorite for many years. It helped me in many ways, including saving my marriage by leaning on God’s love more. I was so excited to hear they were finally making a movie! But after some reviews and my growing walking with Christ, I have decided not to see it. In the verse where Jesus talks about lust, He also says “if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.” Which means our watching things like this are far more important than we realize. After my marriage was restored, my husband and I read the book together and it was a very beautiful experience. We were going to have a date night and see the movie as well. But God has shown me, some things are better off not seen. If God leads you to the book, which really is about God’s love for His people. I would recommend it. However, the movie is sadly a pass for me. Thank you for your review!
I think you make an important point. I thought the book was moving and not a glorification of anything immoral. But a movie screen is a different context. It also may have been wise for the advertising to say it was inspired by Gomer but not a retelling of her story.
What Review? She didn’t see the Movie. I saw the Movie last night. And if Christians are flocking together to not see it. Then there’s no hope for the Faith. This actually brings people to God and make people a better Christian. Actually a better human being. But wow, people can’t form their own opinions now? And just follow blindly a person who Reviews a film without seeing it? A Christian telling people to not see a Production that will make people that see it closer to God. Wow just wow, amazing...
@@district_13 i think you need to read the comment on which you are responding now again and also listen carefully to what Alise is saying. You are offended abd that on itself is a disturbing sign your consciende is telling you sonething different than what your flesh is telling you. It is not possible for a bad tree to produce good fruit. Period.
There is a movie made about the book of Hosea! The title is "Amazing love" the subtitle says " the story of Hosea". On the cover of the video you see two scenes: up you see Hosea in the front and his wife in the back en under the title you see a man in the front and a group of youth in the background. God bless!
I am so grateful I heard this… I would have in an appalled state, got up & left the theatre…. In 1987 my first pastor said, “If we would NEVER knock on the doors of our neighbors to step into their bedroom in asking to watch them have sex, WHY do WE somehow think it’s okay and permissible to do so on a SCREEN with STRANGERS!”
Jesus said... John 3: 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” Apostle Paul said... Titus 3 : 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
The "sex scenes" are more like make-out sessions. The actors are clothed and you never never see genitalia. You can see more skin at the BEACH than 99.5% of this movie. Highly recommend this movie for couples to see. My wife and I both cried.
It’s so awesome to see and hear a women of faith stick to true doctrine. Thank you stay on course. God bless “I’m going to be reading my bible over here, reading Hosea” Amen!
You're right. The devil would love to snare Christians into a form of voyeurism under a "sanctified" guise. Truth is, the flesh is drawn to it, not the Spirit of God in us.
@caitlyncarvalho7637 I haven't seen the movie & don't plan to, but from the description of the movie by @annaculbertson, where do you see the sex & nudity depicted as bad?
My stance on whether a Christian should view any kind of sensual/sexual scenes, is NO. You wouldn't justify watching a married couple through their window.. it is the same imagery. Our flesh can justify just about anything.. can't tell ourselves "well, this is different", when it is the same imagery going into our minds. We shouldn't give room to our flesh. Be careful what you put in your mind, doesn't matter if you think you are strong in that area or not. Don't deceive yourself and give provision for the flesh. Romans 13:14 "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts."
They were married though and sex scenes well she was a prostitute so idk they better mention God's voice not just the wind I want to hear that conversation of him having that conversation with God of him telling hosea that's ur wife...as longs as they show that hosea isn't just pursuing her for her beauty I'm good
@@janderson947 Gomer was a adulterer and prostitute also, but you don't read any graphic details about her activities other than what is mentioned that she had other lovers and kids that probly didn't belong to Hosea ,while married to Hosea. God used the marriage of Hosea to Gomer to teach a spiritual truth about His love and His desire to redeem a fallen people and us as sinners. In the book and movie , graphic detailes are given ( shown) about the girls prostitution and marriage bed activities - there's absolutely no redeeming value either the book or movie .
@@berenlevia8486 yes it is the book has saved many marriages it shows no matter what u can be redeemed rahab was a prostitute too but God used her and We don't know how she got involved in prostitution that book has helped alot of ppl everyone was once an angel in different areas not just lust and we drift from God or think that he was never there for us but whether it's through ppl God never abandon us and shows us grace idk about the movie but the book is beautiful
So glad you did this because I didn’t read her book and I keep hearing about how “I have to see this movie.” Thank you so much. Bad doctrine will not produce good fruit.
The movie did not really portray the book (Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers). The book had lots of scriptures and dwelt on God's redeeming love. This movie isn't it as they tried as much as possible to leave God out of it.
I saw the movie at the behest of my adult daughters. I had no idea what I was in for. Two words, extremely painful. The story of sexual and physical abuse was way more potent than the message of redemption. I was utterly shocked it was not rated R. I was so what traumatized by the painful scenes and shocked by the graphic sexual scenes. I am so thankful for you clearing up that this is not what the story of Hosea is about I was trying to explain that to my daughter. I would definitely advise not seeing the movie, and that if mothers are allowing their daughters to see it, they really need to help them through the emotional shock and pain of the show.
My husband and I would totally agree. I think we both wished we'd never seen it. So horrible! The evil truly overshadowed any possible good intended. 😪
I was very upset since I have close family members and friends who’ve been sexually abused. If I had known what was in the movie, I never would have seen it🤦🏻♀️
You're looking at the surface of the movie. That's exactly what the movie is trying to show. Like Gomez, Angel is a sex worker and she would have done exactly like the movie shown, even worse. Yet she stayed who she is, but despite knowing that she was undeserving of anyone's love, she still got exactly that. The movie is about staying who you are, not trying to be someone you're not, and eventually you'll get everything didn't deserve to get. It might not be today, it might not be until you're 90 years old and only see it for a moment, but eventually God is going to show you his love. This movie is exactly the same story as Hosea's in the bible but it shows it in a way that is exactly how reality would have been like.
@ Deborah Blaise: Says the mother who won't watch the Notebook either, or who hasn't seen every 50 Shades movie that was just to help her sex life out, oh and I bet the Bachelor is never watched either. Go tell your tale to CNN you poor blind soul. I'll pray for you. Your daughters however LOVED the story I'm sure.
I went and watched it with my wife, I had read the book but didnt know about the sex scenes. They went incredibly too far. I was very uncomfortable and felt slimed by those scenes. The value and meat of the core principles of the movie were harmed for me by the bones of those parts. Life is too short and the stakes are too high to give any place to the devil, but thankfully if you are reading this, the Holy Spirit Himself can guide you in each and every situation. Blessings : )
@@eron5605 I believe because God is such a Gentleman, He will fill us with His Love exceeding abundantly beyond what we can ask think or imagine, because He will take our disappointment in things like this and outshine it like the sun!!!
I differ with you about this... I saw the movie... I raised 6 girls and 3 boys. (Adults now) I am highly recommending this movie to all of them and their spouses. It is a WONDERFUL well acted, well filmed movie of redemption, forgiveness, love and mercy. The sex scenes are NOT at all titillating. They are not lengthy and the actors are fully clothed... more like a make-out scene! No married couples will be at all affected in their sex lives from what is shown in this movie. They MAY however become more loving and merciful towards one another from the message in this movie. Go see this movie!! It is wonderful!
@@fredmiller6166 No the scenes were taken too far, the content could've been delivered in a way that the audience would still understand what happened without showing every single detail of 2 people having sex, scenes like those are going to tempt young single Christians or put fantasies in their head which will lead them to do unholy things
My grandmother recommended the book to me when I was fresh out of high school, and those are EXACTLY the feelings it stirred up in me! Definitely not something a young believer struggling with purity and desperate to be married needed to be entertaining herself with. I had no idea it had been made into a movie until I saw your video, but thank you for the warning!! I’ll read Hosea instead, thanks.
Christianity isn't gross. Christianity is the true way from the beginning and the true way from the beginning is following God and obeying Him and having a relationship with Him. Adam and Eve taught the way to their children and grandchildren and so on ( Genesis 4:26). Christianity is a relationship with God, its also the only true pure religion ( John 15, James 1:27). Get to know the true God friend, Jesus whom is the one and only true God and Creator came to earth 2000+ years ago to go to the cross to pay our sin debt in full. His sacrifice was sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). A created being could not pay the infinite penalty required for sin against an infinite God. Only God could pay such an infinite penalty. Only God could take on the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21), die, and be resurrected, proving His victory over sin and death and that true and only God is JESUS! And He did all that because He loves us and wants to save us and have a relationship with us. Jesus is waiting for you to come to Him, He's the only way to Heaven, only He can save us from sin and from hell ( John 14, Romans 6:23, Luke 13:3). He won't cast you away from Himself if you come to Him. He calls us all to repentance, He loves us and wants to save us. believe and have faith in God then the Holy Spirit will come in and lead you to repent of your sins and God will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you by the blood of Jesus and you'll get born again by His Holy Spirit (John 3:3-19).
Your Grandma was right. You should watch this Movie. It’s not about sex. It’s about forgiveness and how to be a better Man. Don’t listen to Prude Christians out there that tries to make sex about everything. That’s the Problem. People think about themselves too much and judge. There’s so many things in the Bible about this. Instead of reading it how about trying to feel it?
Amen it's good you listened to God, this movie is NOT biblical and no one should see it at all. there is a movie that tells the biblical story of Hosea biblically and the movie is called amazing love, there is no sex scenes in there, you can grab the bible and read Hosea and see how the movie goes along with it. it's better than redeeming love because they actually go by the bible. God bless you sister and have a blessed day ❤️🙏🏽
As a Christian man, it is difficult enough to keep my gaze fixed straight ahead. I do not need to fix my gaze at a screen where I’m watching an act that is designed specifically for marriage. Been with my wife for 23 years and that’s all I need to say about that. Thanks Childers!
''As a Christian man, it is difficult enough to keep my gaze fixed straight ahead.'' God delivered Jonathan Welton and taught him HOW a man should (is designed to) see a woman, and he wrote the book Eyes of Honor that goes deeper into that. He talks about that on 4 You Tube videos. Bishop Tudor Bismark from Zimbabwe also taught that concept, so women are NEVER a ''temptation'' issue in his life. It's pretty simple and easy to understand (if people choose to stop eating Hollywood filth).
Your comments here are just honestly perfect. Thank you so much. My husband and I went to see it without reading up on it and we left feeling a bit shell shocked and extremely annoyed that it was as violent and sexually explicit as it was. We trusted the PG-13 rating and we will never make that mistake again.
I think Roma Downey is feeling the heat from this film because she was one of the people behind this film. She’s a good person and a good Christian woman, she’s a mother, she’s a decent actress but she should’ve known better than to agree & permit the content in this. Im honestly kind of shocked hearing all the reviews, because I grew up on her work esp with “Touched By An Angel.” Probs won’t be watching her work again. Some respect is lost.
Hi Alisa, thank you for your thoughtful insights. I read the book and then watched the movie. And let me be honest, I loved both so much. But if I’m being completely truthful here, it was for the wrong reasons. Specifically, I love the warm fuzzy feelings I get when I see/read romance stories. But just because I feel good seeing and reading those things doesn’t make them good. It is lust. It is what it is. And now thinking back to when I watched the movie, I felt so happy watching it. But after the movie I felt uncomfortable, like I had watched something I didn’t need to see. My mind felt tainted. And again being honest here, watching the movie aroused some feelings and thoughts and me that I know are not good. So here is my conclusion. I would now give this movie (and the book with it) a hard pass. Read your Bible (I’m reading mine too!). Love what God loves. Hate what He hates (in this case lust) “If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.” -Matthew 5:29a ESV
I truly feel like wayyy more ppl would be saying what you just described if they were also just as honest. We are kidding ourselves if we think this is a case by case decision, and that sex scenes won't affect some ppl, but will affect others... come on. I agree with Alisa, and her boldness to say, "Wake up!"
Praise the Lord for His good work of redemption within you! He doesn't always show us this clearly how our motivations and feelings can really stem from sin (well truth is, we probably don't listen too well). I was encouraged to read this, I feel exhorted to be a lot more mindful about my media intake, and I wish more Christian women would truly evaluate their motivations like this.
As a Catholic I am really glad to see a woman standing up for the truth of the story in the bible. I was really worried about this movie misrepresenting the true store.
Oh yes it does. The firmament, waters above, realm of God, windows of heaven, circle of the earth, foundations of the earth, foundations of heaven, the chaos dragon all are parts of flat earth cosmology not only in Israel but also the nations around Israel.
@@gottacrushthis7556 just bc something sounds Christian doesn't make it Christian At any rate Catholic church does not prescribe flat earth theory which all it is. We have big bang which is God creating the world like so. We have micro evolution not macro which is Darwin's theory. Firmament was a held in thunder cloud for lack of better words that kept earth warmer before the flood. Etc. Catholics hold differently to truth than heretics' theories of truth. We share only with protestants the sacrament of baptism which that trumps all beliefs that change like the weather. also... Well any more half truths from you? You got some right but not it all
You hit the nail right on the head with this one. I think this movie is another example of trying to read current societal and social issues into scripture, completely ignoring ACTUAL biblical context.
There is no biblical context for this movie. It's based on the fictional novel of a Christian author who was inspired by the story of Hosea. It was co-written and directed by a seasoned Hollywood director. It's not even meant to be a Christian movie in the first place. It's a Universal release. Not Pure Flix, Affirm or other faith-based branches. It's the Christian community that has falsely slapped the Christian label onto it, then complained when it didn't measure up.
The words that came to my mind after listening to you were “ Preach it girl!” Especially at the end when you asked if the sex scenes will bring us closer to Jesus. I have not even heard of the movie until a few days ago and I will not watch it. Thanks for standing up for the true gospel!
I actually did cry over the love Jesus has for me through this powerful imagery… I fell more in love with God through this story and saw my husband in a new light as I saw so many similarities in his patience with me. I think this is a fair critique but not the whole story. I think there is an anti-redeeming love movement with the conservative Christians. But as a conservative Christian, I simply cannot agree with the hyper legalistic perspective. I can 100% get behind someone not seeing it out of personal conviction. But as a women’s ministry leader I would encourage seeing this movie. I think this movie sheds light on trafficking, abuse, redemption, marriage, patience, selflessness, faith, obedience to God, and so much more. And when I read Hosea I will see the story with more understanding of the heart of God. Thanks for sharing your opinion on this and allowing me to share mine. May God continue to bless your ministry and your fight for real faith that follows and obeys scripture! I love watching your videos!
I saw the trailer on yt and was totally shocked it was Redeeming Love (I read as a new believer eons ago). I had to skip the ad. I guess some of us are sensitive or have different convictions. I think God can use it since He can use anything to speak to people (maybe people who dont know Him). But I am kinda bummed since I'd like to see it.
I watched this movie without any of the background and all I could think of was God's unrelenting love for us. I really cried cause it's a touching movie.
I agree with your assessment. I feel that Christians at times have too much shame associated with sex and in this movie, when it’s depicted with love, it can be a beautiful representation & educational opportunity. If Christian’s avert their eyes constantly, won’t it be more shocking when they finally do marry and attempt sexual intimacy. I would rather a person view a proper visual depiction of love than get caught up in all the ‘rules’ and shame. People deserve to know what love when it’s right can look like. Like many have previously said, the sex scenes are so mild and not the focal point to the story. Her life journey is the story…if you can’t see the forest for the trees, that’s a problem.
I did watch the movie. I will say it was extremely sensual. I was shocked. I was looking around and concerned that there may be young people being exposed. I was so uncomfortable. I had been healed by God of sexual brokeness that I was born into. And to see this it felt like viewing pornography. I closed my eyes during that scene. Sex as God created for marriage is personal and beautiful. Not to be shared.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have within my past a struggle with pornography, and thanks to Jesus I am now over a year sober. I heard about the scenes in this movie, and my wife and I decided not to pursue seeing it. I had hoped that our choice wasn't just an emotional reaction based on the hearsay of oversensitive and legalistic people who find something wrong with everything, who see a demon under every bush. I didn't think it was, but the thought occurred to me. So thank you for sharing your story and putting that thought to rest for me. And, no condemnation from me for your going to see the movie. My given name means "God Is My Gracious And Strong Judge", and therefore, if He is my Judge, He is also your gracious and strong Judge. I believe you have prayed about it, and He has forgiven you, so I cannot morally criticize you even if I wanted to. God bless you!
I saw the movie too! Wish I didn’t! I had no clue it would be so graphic. I thought it was a biblical movie until discussing with my friend recently that the book is based on biblical principle not the movie... we thank God for this video that can potentially stop someone before watching the movie. I literally wouldn’t advise anyone to watch it especially since the book is available. Learn the same lesson in the book.
@@djpeeler2912 what do you consider legalistic? Do you buy into the false idea that faith does not need to be accompanied by righteousness? Well, the very same Apostle Paul that so many like to misquote, misrepresent, and twist, said these words: Ephesians 5:3-7 3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed. 4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. 5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. What part of that is not clear? Notice, he is not at all agreeing with the idea that a person can sin all they want, and they are saved. NO immoral, impure person will INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. Let that soak in. He even knew that people would come with empty words and try to convince you that being holy and righteous is somehow "LEGALISTIC", and therefore to be shunned. No bigger deception has been perpetrated by the Devil within the Church, for with this lie, he deceives most of those who think they are truly saved.
What do I consider legalism? I believe legalism is, similar to the Pharisees of Jesus's Day, an emotionally fueled religious practice that elevates doctrine and minimizes God's mercy, when there should be a balance between both Doctrine and Mercy. While you need solid doctrine in True Biblical Christianity, you also need a proper understanding that Mercy rejoices against Judgement. When you focus only on the rules of Christianity, even if you teach that Jesus is the only Way of salvation, you teach people that Jesus gives them salvation, and then they have to spend the rest of their lives trying to get God's approval as His Servant Children. In otherwords, Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection was sufficient only for salvation, and not for life after salvation. While this might not be overtly taught, this is the belief that is then manifested in the atmosphere of the church. What is needed in the church is a proper understanding of just who we are once we repent and believe on Jesus Christ for salvation. God says we are a new creation.... Old things have passed away, and all things are becoming new. He bestowed His love upon us to the point of calling us sons of God. When we sin, it is no longer us who sins, but the sin nature which in this physical body still fights against our new identity in Christ. And when we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. This is not to be a license to sin, but a safeguard for our spiritual health, to invite us to repentance. Legalism and all the rules says, "Jesus saves you from your sins, but you still have to DO DO DO in order to gain God's approval and rewards." True, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led Christianity teaches the believer that he must learn to BE.... BE. Align yourself and the way you view yourself with the new identity God has given you, trust Him, and your life will show the fruit. Legalism says, "We gotta DO more for God this year than we did last year." True, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led Christianity says, "Trust in the Lord, and whatever you say or do, do it for the glory of God. There is no quota and there is no limit to serving Abba." There are a few tenets of Legalism. One tenet is that we must establish an atmosphere of faithfulness to a culture that men build around Biblical rules. Many times, preferences of the leadership, even if based on Biblical truth, get elevated to the level of Bible doctrine. This can be manifested through the style of clothing that is worn (clergy/choir robes, suits and ties, or my formal preference - American Western style jeans, boots, and shirts), what kind of instruments are used, what kind of worship songs are played, how many weekly services there are and what times of the day they take place....EVEN to what version of the Bible is used. And the list can go on. In short, preferences can become doctrine in these man-made church cultures when, for example, the Bible doesn't actually prescribe a style of dress to wear to fellowship. Whatever they wore in the days of the first century church, modern humanity largely doesn't wear anymore. It goes without saying that what we wear, should be sexually appropriate. And even if it is not, extend grace to the person. Kindly say something if needed, but don't automatically reject their presence in your company. Another tenet of legalism is that to remain faithful to the culture we have built, we must not associate with others who are different from us, and the severity of this tenet varies from church to church. There may be limited association, or none at all. Related to the previous tenet, another tenet is that we must withhold love from others who don't entirely agree with us, or who don't do what we think they should do. Related yet again, another tenet of Legalism is, those who open up to struggling with addiction or mental health issues must be stigmatized, because stigmatization will cause them to repent. (The Bible says that the goodness of God leads us to repentance). But even after they repent, they must carry the scar of their sin. Their egregious involvement in forbidden sexual sin, for example, will forever be part of our definition of them in our minds, and such a person is never qualified to minister in any way again. You see how this is in effect setting up ourselves as judges over other believers? We are not given the authority to assign an identity, a calling, or a measure of value to our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially based upon whether they do what we think they should. You will say, we are called to judge fruit. Yes, we are called to Discern fruit, AND we are called to provoke (strongly encourage) one another to love and to good works. We are not called to assign value based upon level of performance, or to establish quotas of works. We ARE called to learn what Godly love for the brethren looks like. We are called to be swift to hear and slow to speak. If you think I am saying, don't preach against sin, I am not saying that. I am saying, understand how to preach with meekness and Godly love against sin. What I have said, has some application in how we as believers interact with non-believers, but primarily confronts how we as believers interact with each other. When you take a deep look, you find that we really are not kind to each other in the ways we should be. And we actually hinder each other.
I heard about this movie on the radio. When it said “May be inappropriate for children under 13” I was puzzled because if it’s a Christian movie why on earth would it be inappropriate? When Hollywood interferes in a Christian story it’s always a bad idea.
It's not a Christian movie. It's a movie with biblical principles and a nonfictional allegory. Just as Chronicles of Narnia is not a Christian movie... but the allegory is beautifully depicted. Allegories are not immoral, Jesus himself used parables (allegorical storytelling) to explain the Gospel.
Not a response to this particular movie as I have not yet seen it though I have read the book. But as a response to it or any other Christian material being age censored. This is quite possible. My and my friend's kids both attended the same private Christian school and we were informed that they were going to be showing the Passion of The Christ on a particular day at the elementary level. Our kids were maybe in grade 3 or 4 at the time. We both decided that due to the graphically violent nature of the movie and the intense scenes depicted that we would not allow our children to view it so kept them home that day. An example of when an excellent Christian movie can still not be appropriate for a certain age group.
100% agree with you! Another question it brings to my mind is “Will watching a steamy scene draw you closer to your spouse, or will it just make you see their imperfections all the more?” When you’re married you know that person inside and out, and let’s be honest times of intimacy are not always perfect. So will watching a perfect moment really bring you closer as a couple? Love your comments! Thank you so much for speaking out on this! I actually read the book as a young teen and it was harmful to me in my walk with Christ, so I will never read it (or any of the authors other books) again, nor will I watch a movie about it. It’s not helpful in anyway to the Christian walk.
The book may have been graphic... the movie is not. The "steamy" sex scenes are brief, fully clothed not titillating. As a Christian, husband and father I highly recommend this movie to married couples. My wife does as well.
I knew someone who came to repentance, and for them this book was pivotal. The themes really hit home for them. I think they were already at place they felt irredeemable, and this book helped them wonder if maybe they could be loved.
@@phun1901 ☝? How many people repented of fornication after watching Leo De Capreo, and the actress have a sex scene in back of a car in the movie Titanic . The movie Redemption is about 'self redemption', not Gods idea of 'redemption'. If a movie is going to be made about 'Redemption', why not make a movie on how Jeffery Dahlmar received Christ as Lord and Savior while in prision . Or a movie of about the survivors of the Titanic who came to Christ, because of the Scottish pastor who was also on board the Titanic , while himself in the water drowning and freezing to death, implored others in the water to accept Christ as Lord and Savior ?
@@berenlevia8486 I just have to say that your onslaught of replies to peoples' comments is distracting, especially in light of the fact that you keep referring to a book entitled "Redemption". This video and comments are concerning a book entitled "Redeeming Love". Have you even read this book?
Just watched the movie. I love you sister but I totally disagree. It was a movie of love and redemption. Hosea is a book of salvation and redemption. Hosea means salvation. It was an AWESOME story!!!!!
Regardless, I do think that Christian movies should do the same thing as the Bible does with sex. At the most, one sentence of writing. Keep it short and keep it hidden. I’d rather have a scene of them kissing and going into the bedroom and fading out than anything more… descriptive.
It has almost nothing to do with Hosea. The point of Hosea is that she pursues other lovers in spite of their marriage, in the way Israel pursues other gods despite their covenant with God. In the movie they're not even married until the end and then it's happily ever after. Read Hosea 1-3, it's not very subtle, it's very clear what it's about.
I have read the book, but I have been very hesitant to watch this movie. You have just confirmed what I was feeling in my heart and spirit. Thank you!!
I actually love the book and I love most of what Francine writes but I don't think this movie is truly bent on the gospel message and bringing that to people(based on the trailers I watched I haven't seen the movie).
I read the book years ago. I went and saw the movie last night to make my own judgment. Book is definitely better. The movie lacks the internal dialogue. As far as the sex scenes go I’ve definitely seen way more in secular films. I don’t watch those movies like them anymore. If one struggles with any kind of porn or list issue they definitely should not see it. If they had done the scenes without the sound effects it would have been ok.
I saw the movie and after I came down from the high of such a good entertainment movie, I had the same thought in my mind and heart. This doesn’t portray our sinfulness and our running back to our sin as we always do. This portrayed an innocent person trapped in her circumstances and then trying to do the “noble thing”. Not one of us runs from God because we feel He is better off without us. We do it to satisfy our own desires and idols. Thank you for saying it much better than I could.
I read the book when I was a broken, bitter woman, afraid to be loved and feeling completely unworthy of redemption. Picking up the Bible was not an option for me. But I read the book and was so amazed that this type of redeeming love is on offer to me, by God the father. So yeah... if you're reading the book, to learn about the Word of God, maybe dont do that. But I love Francine Rivers and I appreciate her ministry.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Unfortunately it was the religious people that criticised the good work of Jesus. Unfortunately nothing has changed today Christians will be the first for criticising another Christian breaking religious boundaries for Christ
@@sharonjohns1686 Set no evil thing before your eyes. Watching people having sex on a movie screen is just that. A wicked thing to temp you to lust. Read the Bible. We are in the world but not of the world. A peculiar people.
@@gayebryant4604 this woman is talking specifically of the book, not the movie. I haven't seen the movie, but I have read the book, and from what I've heard about the movie, there's a lot more going on sexually in the movie than there is in the book. The book definitely isn't for everyone, but I know ot has been incredibly heart changing for many.❤
Somewhere out there are those complaining about this film while actively watching actual degeneracy elsewhere in private. Don't complain and whine if you're willing to watch garbage elsewhere, but vehemently denounce this movie. Seriously don't, you know who you are hypocrite. I suggest we don't reject the possibility that someone could be met by Christ as a result of this film even if a bunch of self righteous Christians scoff at it online because it displeases their clean and pristine worldview. Christ certainly meets us all in the mud, and it's possible he could be using this film for that purpose whether it suits your fragility or not. This is not another typical corny movie that oversimplifies the struggles of the human condition in relations to sin and redemption, and because of that I would highly suggest it to people including nonchristians, unless the individual is overwhelmingly sensitive to some skin. Otherwise stay away from it, and never watch television ever again. Great movie! I've watched it twice already with family and friends, and will be purchasing a physical copy when it becomes available.
Thank you so much for sharing this observation. This movie was recommended to me by a fellow woman Christian. I’m a 61 year old newly saved Christian coming out of secular, eastern mysticism and new age world view!!! I have been raised on a steady diet of the Hollywood world view which so perfectly reflects the spirit of the age!!! Most of what they put out, especially when it comes to romance is never going to reflect a proper relationship with love, sex and the proper roles of men and women in a Christian world view. What Hollywood does consistently is to elevate vanity using romanticism. Just another Cinderella story that actually diminishes women!!! Misusing the Bible to promote this drivel is like putting lipstick on a pig!!! I am so thankful for your sharing your wisdom and discernment!!! I pray that all my sisters in Jesus Christ wake up and walk away from the deceiver and please read your Bible!!! The truth will set you free!!!
Thank you, Alisa, for speaking out on this. I totally agree with your assessment on the "steamy scenes." Completely inappropriate. I also think this movie just highlights a problem with many Christian women: we are too driven by emotion and allow it to cloud our judgment. We have to be intentional about our consumption of entertainment (movies, music, etc.) and use discernment, not just rely on the "chick flick" appeal. I'll definitely pass on this one.
Is this a problem with just women? lol - I can see a LOT of Christian men wanting to watch this movie ;) They use the same excuses to watch Game of Thrones. Men are just as prone to clouded judgement when it appeals their flesh.
@@abeautifulmoment2714 That is not how the english language works. Had Patti said "...ONLY christian women..", then the statement would exclude men. But she did not, so it did not!
Someone loaned me the book a long time ago. I started to read it and had to give it back because it was just too “romantic” for me. As a single woman, this brought nothing but longing and desire in my mind and heart. I will not watch s3x scenes in movies (my family thinks I am nuts when I leave the room). I will not go see this movie. Blessings Alisa, thanks for being straight with us. Open rebuke is truly better than hidden love.
I hate sex scenes in general. It can be alluded to and then have a cutaway to continue the story. If I notice a movie has a sex scene I just skip through it. I don’t want to watch other people in that way and it’s *extremely* awkward! I don’t think you’re nuts at all. You also have every right to refuse things and maybe other people will take note of that and skip through next time, at least for your sake.
That's why I was pleasantly surprised at the movie LaLa Land--no sex scenes between this couple! Not even hinted at! If I remember right, they were even ambiguous on whether the couple was living together. Very refreshing!
I appreciate your cautious approach to this material. It is difficult material, and as you yourself have said even the Bible can be graphic while helping us see the true nature of our sin. I have both refused to see the movie (at the advice of Alisa Childers) and later agreed to see the movie. I was invited by a Godly woman that had read the book. At the moment it seemed more important to accept her invitation with grace than to shame her about wanting to see the movie. I was actually impressed with how carefully they handled what is naturally a graphic and difficult subject matter. They did show (without nudity) the beauty of the marriage act, and of course, it was intended to be beautiful and desirable. Considering this is a picture of our union with God would we want it to be gross and undesirable to watch? They also showed the ugliness of sexuality outside of the safety and purity of marriage, although these scenes were never shown, only implied. What I didn't expect was how my mind constantly made the connection of my filthy sin vs God's perfect love for me and what the world offers me vs what God wants to give me. While the movie uses sexual themes (as does Hosea) my mind was keenly aware of the deeper spiritual message throughout the movie. Even in the scenes between the husband and wife, my mind reached closer to understanding the beauty, perfection, and satisfaction of being God's beloved. His love is so far beyond what any metaphor can possibly convey, but this IS the metaphor God chooses to use over and over when helping us understand our relationship with him. I think we should be careful to avoid sin, and also be careful to not condemn a metaphorical theme that God himself uses over and over to reach our deepest level of understanding. Nothing will defile you faster than sex and nothing (in proper context) will unite two souls like the sexual union. Perhaps, artistically speaking, something could have been lost if the screen cut to black instead of showing the beauty of the marital union. I think that anyone that struggles with pornography or sexual sins should guard their hearts. But, I would be very careful assigning sinful motives to those that have written/produced this. I certainly came out of the theatre with a far greater understanding of my sin and God's intimate love for me. May we all be patient and kind in our treatment of one another in this and every disagreement.
I love this response and review of the movie. I couldn’t have put it better myself. I’ve seen a lot of people in the comments almost overexaggerate the nudity aspect of the movie. You don’t see any Jenna Tallia or private parts that you shouldn’t be seen. Other than when the married couple finally consummate, they don’t show any of the sexual scenes. I felt the same things you did the very first time I watched it. And I was so blown away by the story that I actually went to see it again in theaters and that time I took my teenage nieces with their parents consent. Both of my nieces were blown away by it and felt the same things I did and as you mentioned about our sins and how great God is but on top of that it also showed my nieces what a true man of God looks like and seek that out on a partner. I haven’t seen anyone mention how Michael didn’t engage in sex with Angel even after they were married until he could see the changes God had made in her. No one talks about how even though she returned to her old ways, the second time she did it. She asked God‘s forgiveness and realizes this isn’t where she needs to be in allowed God to redeem her and get her out of that situation. Then she goes to Work at a school that helps other women like her. Try to redeem themselves through God as well. Those are really good parts in the movie and things that as Christians we need to do and support. We need to support people who are trying to get out of a sinful life.
I went to see this movie based on a recommendation from a sister in Christ’s mom. My friend invited me to go, and I said no initially until her mom went, and said how wonderful it was. It was uncomfortable at best. I was looking away throughout the movie and even left the theater at one point. It was what I would consider soft porn showing partial nudity and saturated with sensual scenes. I could not recommend this to anyone. My mistake for not researching better!
One of the most disturbing trends in my life has been seeing some grown women and mothers falling for that kind of smut. They have no shame about it either. Thank God for the holy women in my life!
I’m loving these comments. It’s good for me to see that other people look away, too. I used to think I needed to grow up because those scenes bother me, especially if watching with other people. I shouldn’t have given myself such a hard time about it!
I am a satanic ritual abuse survivor and for me the movie was such a reflection of my life. I do think the story in general is quite beautiful. It does show a picture of God's love for us, especially those of us that feel particularly neglected and abused. However, I would not necessarily call this a Christian film. I do not think the sex scenes were necessary and I was very triggered by them. There are a lot of people who will see themselves in this story and it can be helpful.
I agree the most with your last statement honestly. There is a woman I know who read the book and had a lot to say but it honestly helped her a lot in dealing with her past trauma. I think this film can be pruned but it has a lot to offer in some ways
I agree that many women will for sure relate to the movie because I know someone personally who has been through this and always goes back to that lifestyle 💔
I am sorry you were triggered by the movie. God's love for us is amazing. And His compassion and forgiveness for us immense when we are truly sorry and repent. I hope you are inspired to walk with Jesus for the rest of your life and your triggers go away. I am going to read the Bible and skip the movie. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. God bless you. Amen.
Is satanic ritual abuse something that happens regularly, or would you say your case is rare? I'm sorry to be intrusive, but I've actually never heard someone admit to being a survivor, I've only heard stories that seem like tall tales about things that may happen. In fact, in modern culture, most people are being led to believe that Satanism is just a joke, that people say "H*** Satan" just to make Christians mad and that nobody is seriously a Satanist. I would greatly appreciate for you to shed some light on the topic, to the point that you are comfortable with.
Thank you, Alisa! I read the book as a teenager, at the recommendation of my mom…..oddly. In retrospect, the content was definitely something I was not ready for. I, too, love the book of Hosea. I do not feel the book on which this movie is based was an accurate representation of the story of Hosea and I also will not be seeing the movie. I was single until I was 34 and sexually explicit scenes in movies were something that always sent me down a road of temptation. As a result, I rigorously and actively avoided them. Now, as a married woman, my affection and attraction are for my husband alone and I still do not watch explicit scenes, as a way of honoring him. You asked the perfect question: Will watching these scenes lead us to fall on our knees before our Lord and Savior?
Alisa, thank you for speaking Truth!!! I loved the book Redeeming Love and I’m so glad I “happened” to run across your review of the movie!!! I am married to a sex addict who is on a path of his own redemptive story! This is definitely not a movie either one of us needs to see! Guard your eyes, folks! Do not be deceived by the enemy that viewing this kind of material, under the guise of a Christian movie about the book of Hosea, is ok or will not affect you! I keep reading comments of those who have seen it that it is “soft porn.” This is NOT OK. Viewing porn (soft or otherwise) releases endorphins and is more addictive than cocaine! According to neurological studies, it even affects the pathways in your brain!!! Most of all, as followers of Jesus, we are called to be set apart and respect the sanctity of marriage and the gift of sex as God intended it. We have become desensitized to what is right and what is holy and acceptable because everyday all we see are sexual images…because sex sells. I stand with you @Alisa Childers! Let’s boycott the movie and show Hollywood that we won’t compromise our standards, just because of their marketing ploys!
"We have become desensitized to what is right and what is holy and acceptable." You're absolutely right. Desensitization can be the only explanation for why some people seem to think there are no sex scenes, and why others aren't bothered by the innuendos. 😞
@Karen Byers I am happy to hear about your husband's direction toward recovery. This video has been popping back into my notifications recently because of a couple comments I made on other threads under this video, and I happened to see this. I had a struggle with porn, and have been on my own journey, now over a year sober. And I recently began a small group for other men who are struggling, starting out with a DVD series called Conquer Series. I have a lot of compassion for Christians who are struggling and want to be delivered, because of where I ended up thrive the choices I made. I thank God He brought me the help I needed, and I don't ever want to fall back into that stuff again.
The enemy always tries to pervert something good that God has created for a holy purpose. Thank you for this review I don’t plan to see this movie either. I shouldn’t have to cringe or repent because of something I willing viewed with my eyes.
No he's not. That movie is wrong, no one needs to see it. We instead need to read the bible and get to know the true biblical God, once we all do that more we'll grow closer and have a deep relationship with Jesus and walk in the right path along side of Jesus. Remember on judgement day what will matter is if you were born again by His Holy Spirit and had a relationship with Jesus. God is being merciful to us all and is giving us all time to repent and get right with Him ( Hebrews 9:27). Don't let the devil mislead you from God because If you don't have Jesus then you will be brainwashed by the devil and hpthr devil will lead you to hell ( 2 Corinthians4:4). Come to Jesus, only He can save you from sin and from hell, only He can lead you to heaven for He's the only way to Heaven, He's the only true way ( John 14:6, Romans 6:23). Lastly remember, Heaven and Hell are both eternal and your soul will be in either place depending your choice. Don't choose hell over God, choose God over hell.
1) This is not a review. It's cancel culture, and a judgement on a piece of art she has not consumed. 2) her interpretation of Hosea is skewed. It's not about us repenting, it's about God loving us into repentance no matter what.. .
@@nateg.6187 pornography is from Satan so I won’t even entertain the foolish lie that it helps anyone. Ever. If you had even the slightest idea about false religions and sexual rituals and the basis for it you would not have such a cavalier attitude. Please educate yourself. Hopefully your friends know Christians who can correct them and get them back on the right track. As for the rest of your diatribe, your guesswork is way off. I love the Lord and abide in Christ. Swing and a miss. I was a fake Christian wannabe in a user friendly church for years, surrounded by worldly people who think and act just like the world. Jesus saved me out of it. I felt new life enter me when Holy Spirit came into me and I have not been the same since. I immediately had spiritual sensitivity that I was missing before. I knew I had not been “saved” before. I Have a heart for the lost in the church, and sadly that is a whole lot of people. My ministry is to the worldly in the church so I know of what I speak, friend. I spend a considerable amount of time discipling others and helping them grow deeper in Christ. (Basically doing the opposite of you, since you evidently wink and nod at nonsense like Porn to improve a marriage). Please grow up so God can use you! I say that with sincerity. Peace to you.
I read Redeeming Love as a baby Christian over 15 years ago (after having read Hosea), and though I was not altogether innocent of my deeds, it ministered so much to my wounded spirit. It helped me overcome the belief that no one could love and accept me because of my past. That said, I am somewhat bothered by the fact that they chose to include sex scenes in the movie.
I read redeeming love as a young and immature Christian as well and it did minister to me at the time and even though I was excited about the movie coming out, I watched the trailer and immediately felt red flags. I thought to myself that this was basically a Christian soft porn movie disguised as a Holy love story between God and His people but it's totally misinterpreting the book of Hosea. I will not watch or recommend the movie for the very same reasons that Alisa Childers mentions here.
I feel EXACTLY the same way!!! Thank you for sharing your story! I was encouraged as well by it. It helped dismantle my shame and self condemnation on around my God-given female sexuality. Thank you!
@@tamelamecum7511 Sometimes, people preach to their own issues and don't understand that other people's minds work differently than theirs. I thought the movie was fantastic: it spoke to me in the same way that the book did 20 years ago.
Spot on!!! Thank you, Alisa! I agree completely. There is no reason a Christian can justify filling our mind with sexual thoughts other than those with the spouse God has given us. And most important, as you so elequently stated, is that "redeeming love", redemption from sin, is ONLY through the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus on the cross that gives us eternal life in Him.
You said everything I wanted to! I didn't know this was a movie until yesterday when it was described as Christian porn. It made me sick to my stomach to hear we've fallen so far. I refused to read the book because of the trafficking subject matter. I read to escape the horrors of life. Thank you Alisa!
I feel the same way. I saw it called "Christian porn" and I wanted to vomit. I only looked into on this channel because I trust her and her biblical approach.I am so angry this would be be call Christian. It twisted my mind and kept me up thinking about it. Now I know and I would never see this movie or read a book about the horrors of sex trafficking. I read to no think of this kind of thing like you. God bless.
I read the book redeeming love twice. Yes I am a man and I was encouraged by three different individuals in the same month to read redeeming love so a copy was lent to me and I read the book in about nine days. I absolutely loved it and eventually I gave eight copies away to women that I knew. The author Francine Rivers before she was saved was a romance novel writer. She quit writing romance novels. After she got saved one day while reading the book of Hosea she got the inspiration for the idea to write redeeming love which is not meant to be a direct retelling of the biblical account. As for the movie I wish it were a little bit longer and there was more character development between Michael Hosea and Angel but other than that my wife and I saw it at the theater and a week ago my wife purchased it from Walmart and we watched it a second time. I think it is a fantastic wonderful movie of love and forgiveness mercy and Grace and it sheds light on the reality of human trafficking. Angel eventually opens up a place for women to find help who are coming out of prostitution and sex trafficking the name of the place is called House of Magdalene named after Mary Magdalene who was a prostitute Jesus cast the demons out of. I believe it is a very powerful movie and it will reach many people. I would encourage people not to violate their conscience. Do not watch this film if you think it will cause you to sin. I did not have a problem with the movie at all
Thanks for your review! Interesting comment about Mary Magdalene being a prostitute, I haven't searched for myself yet, but plan to, but someone(Melissa Doughtery, RUclips) stated, nowhere in scripture does it state that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. It's in one of her 20 things I wish I knew videos. 😁
I am 3 years out of an abusive marriage, but he never hit me. Just found out my daughter age 27 was molested by my neighbor when she was 4. Everyone wants to blame me/saying I'm in victim mode. My mom died at age 9. This movie was EPIC for me and I'm a huge believer.
I think your take on this is a bit more realistic regarding human trafficking than on comparing it to the book of Hosea.
2 года назад+27
This is so good, Alisa! I have decided not to watch the movie because of the sex scenes, but what you said about this being a social gospel message makes everything so clear! Thank you for that!
Sister, this is a fantastic post. It makes my heart happy to see your watchfulness here over and against the social gospel. It makes my heart even happier to see you point people to the text in order to push these people to see what the book is actually about. Keep up the good work, and may the Lord bless and keep you!
@Caitlyn Carvalho seems a bit of an irrelevant question given my response to her video. The question seems like it is lacking sense because I am not aware of what you are responding to. Sorry I can’t answer your question.
@Caitlyn Carvalho well then to answer your question; I would say that he point in the video is that the biblical story is concerned with the prostitution and unfaithfulness of Gomer that is not akin to something like sex slavery. Therefore, no. This would not mean that we should care about and look to free women in these positions. But it does mean however, that the story line in the movie is woefully if center when set beside the biblical meta-narrative.
I very much agree. "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways." Psalm 119:37 Just because it's loosely based on a biblical story doesn't mean it's a wholesome, worthwhile, or God honoring thing to consume. I would not recommend the book either. I have read many of FR's books as a teen and loved them at the time. Now, as a matured married woman and mom, I have learned they are not appropriate or beneficial. Grateful for the Lord's patience with me and faithfulness in making me more like Him.
I loved the book, but I also went into reading it with a knowing of it wasn’t going to exactly be like the book of Hosea, since it’s Christian fiction. However, I did go see the movie and sadly regretted it. Not only did the movie shy away from the main message being Gods redeeming love, but the sexual scenes in it were far too graphic. They definitely could’ve implied it, but not shown it. To be honest though I shouldn’t of been surprised considering it was Hollywood that made it, so it was going to be a secularized version anyways. However, I loved the book as someone who dealt with sexual sin in my past, I related to what Angel was feeling and it made me want to read the Bible more and know God more. So I’m basically defending the book, but the movie was not good.
Yes. This is how I feel. I was excited to see the movie but once I saw the trailer I just had an check in my spirit and felt I would regret watching it. Sexual graphic content is not necessary and I felt holly wood would ruin the message. It appears that they did. Thankyou for your review.
Yes I really loved the book. It is honestly great Christian fiction. And it tells of God's redemptive love. I didn't see the movie only the trailers. And based on those I kinda knew they were gonna make it palatable for mainstream audiences but I was hoping they would stay true to the storyline. Sad to hear.
Sarah I agree with you I defend the book but not the movie. The movie also is giving me a bitter taste in my mouth about the book. But i honestly just might read it again
I have not seen the movie but I too loved the book for the same reasons, and had the same reaction to spend time in the Lords presence. I am so sad to hear the movie is so graphic. I was looking forward to it.
Yet another protection offered by studying The Word. Studied Hosea with Community Bible Study and Alisa is spot on! Movies and plays are great ways to amplify Biblical truth but they should not be your primary source obviously. Study the Word with the guidance of The Spirit in the company of believers! Thanks for your good work, Alisa!
I’ve seen the movie…twice. From my perspective it’s not about the story of Hosea. It spoke to Me of Jesus and His bride. It doesn’t matter how far I’ve fallen He will rescue me and love me in spite of my past. He shows up in the middle of my darkest night and leads me out. Have we forgotten that it was the prostitutes, tax collectors and such that Jesus fellowshipped with? And the religious of His day were critical of Him. Can we please stop criticizing/judging and start loving? This movie may not be for everyone but the message is beautiful and powerful.
Sean Astin did a movie called "Amazing Love" which handles the story of Hosea fairly well. Obviously it's a totally different movie plot, with Astin portraying a youth pastor trying to get through to a group of teens, but it does tell the story, with some embellishment for story telling. You can find it here on YT, if you're interested.
I have seen the movie and I highly recommend it. They never went into graphic detail, and it's appropriate for all ages. It isn't Biblically accurate, but they address that in the film. It is a retelling of the story of Hosea, and a very good one indeed.
100% agree with all of this. Another thing to consider after listening to this; if we aren’t OK seeing the scenes in a “Christian” movie, do we permit ourselves to watch these things as a part of secular movies or TV shows? Do we only have this standard when it comes to Christian movies?
I went to the movie trusting Francine Rivers. I read her early books, and appreciated them (including Redeeming Love); but, I have not read any of her current writings, within the past 10 years. I was shocked. Shocked by the PG13 rating, shocked by the soft porn that I witnessed, and shocked that Francine Rivers directed it. I am not recommending that others see it. I should have done my homework before going to see the movie, rather than simply trusting the word "Christian" in the advertising, or simply trusting a name associated with it. Thank you for this review. Spot on.
Francine Rivers didn't direct it. However she supposedly was a writer of the screenplay. Not sure how much power she held over what went on screen, but I hope that the end product is not what she wanted. Her book is very different than the movie.
@@danieltakawi9919 According to her blog posts, she was very proud of how this movie came out, after having seen the whole thing put together. She knew what was involved, what the actors had to do and go through with these scenes; she watched the end product and gave a thumb's up to how it all came together. I'm disappointed that she didn't have any misgivings as to how the sex scenes were handled. Too many Christians struggle with soft porn and too many Christians go into marriages already having given themselves to other people. The subject of sex should never be taken lightly or dismissed or assumed that people will know enough to research a movie or book before watching or reading it. I'm shocked that so many people blindly go into these forms of entertainment. We cannot take unsee what we watch. There are scenes from a horror movie I saw as a teenager that I STILL wrestle against at times, and I'm in my mid-forties.
@@lauriegermaine6506 WOW!!! I almost didn't finish reading after the "gave a thumbs up" part. I'm a bit disappointed that she was "proud" of this movie. I heard it was already streaming on Peacock and was going to see it. Then I saw one of the trailers for the movie and thought, "This doesn't seem like it has anything to do with the book of Hosea." After listening to this video and reading these comments, I'm glad I didn't watch the movie.
I'm a man who struggled for years with lust and an addiction to pornography. I will not be seeing this movie. You nailed it when you described how beautiful sex can be when it is in the confines of a faithful marriage, which is something I don't have, partly due to my issues and partly due to my ex's unfaithfulness. Thank you for being a voice of reason and Godliness
You are not alone in this situation. Since my wife left I have come to terms with a life without this particular blessing. I was addicted to porn, at least I was periodically, but now I find it possible to live in complete celibacy. Still, I know exactly what will stir the lust again - better to avoid all such things (it's actually doable). Hope you can take encouragement from this, Kenneth.
I’ve never read her books nor have I seen this movie. A friend told me, “It’s a Christian movie about the story of Hosea,” so I was considering it. Thank you for his heads up- I won’t be going now.
@@Lazydaisy646 Steamy?! A bit. But not that steamy. I'm too wrapped up in the themes of the story to even remember the "steamy" parts of the story. But not all authors, speak to our spiritual life.
There was one major sex scene throughout the movie with minimal nudity. They were married at this point. One of the main points of the scene was to display her surprise at what sex based in genuine love could look like- something completely foreign to her. It was almost like she was experiencing sex for the first time. For me, the scene served a purpose and it accomplished that purpose without being too risky. I’d be interested to see you watch the movie and give a review on whether it upheld your preconceived opinions or if it defied them in some ways.
I agree with you. It's a shame to record a movie and say in advance that you haven't read the book, nor will you watch the movie. Another incorrect description movie
I agree with you, it was meant to show a very black & white comparison of what the worlds view of lust & sex to what Gods intention for love, marriage & sex. It’s hardly graphic in nature & yes minimal nudity. For those in the world that are exposed to lust constantly on the screen I believe this will be a seed of life into how they view love & marriage. Cuz I was just thinking a couple months ago that it’s so sad that on all shows they always depict & give all these “love scenes” for unmarried, lustful & just no excitement or much when for a married couple like marriages are dead & boring. So this movie was great, totally redeeming love ❤️ I saw it with my girlfriends who had all read the book, I didn’t see it with my husband as he wouldn’t watch it being a romance movie anyways & so don’t know what it would make him feel. I think when we get so caught up about one thing or another then we’re missing so much of the story. We do it with the Bible & that’s how religion is formed. I think those who created it did a great job, those who see it it’s your choice to see or not see if for your own reasons just don’t place your choice or reasons on another person.
@@inspiredmegz58 You say that, but there was way more nudity than just that scene, and the people who are depicting it are not actually married. Just because it's not real to you does that mean it's okay to show teens that unmarried people can have sex on a screen in front of them just for entertainment? What exactly is the difference between that and a porn movie? Food for thought.
But the main point and most important thing to consider is that it misrepresents God and the book of Hosea. We are not victims who sin as a result. We are born sinners.
I thought the same thing. Actors in sexual scenes. Not good. I heard that in one scene she is having sex with a man and realizes he’s her father…yikes.
@@ladonnapauls8693 yes. I read the book a few times as a teenager and that scene always disturbed me. It is one reason why I don’t think it makes an appropriate movie to slap a Christian label on.
Thank you Alisa, I did go see the movie and I actually bought tickets for our marriage small group as well so we could all go together. I was really excited because this book really spoke to me back when I as a young believer. It helped me accept that I could be redeemed, my sex life with my husband could be redeemed, even after me walking out on him and living adulterously for a year. I definitely related to the female character in the book. Needless to say, when we went and watched the movie with our group, my husband and I were shocked and embarrassed by the sexual content. This was confusing and discouraging to me. I just kept thinking...are these Christian actors?! Thank you for your insight into why this is not a good representation of the book of Hosea and why, in fact, it really isn't something to promote. I appreciate and admire your courage and obedience!
Whenever I read the review from Focus on the Family about the movie, and they said there were 2-2 minute sex scenes, that made up my mind to not go see it. My husband and I fast forward all sex scenes on the DVD’s that we watch, because of the Lord’s Word that says “put no unclean thing before your eyes.” Not that sex in and of itself is unclean, but isn’t watching someone have sex (if only in a movie) unclean? It is so intimate between 2 people that if I watch it, it feels like I have pulled up a chair by the side of the bed, and my eyes weren’t made for that. There are ways sex can be portrayed in a movie without showing it. The bottom line is money, and sex sells, but should we as Christians buy into them manipulating us, just because it uses a story in the Bible. Does the end justify the means?
When, friend, is sex called unclean? This is no more explicit than song of solomon. Culture and society have made sex a taboo subject. Not the Father. Nudity was commonplace in biblical times... but because you've grown up in a culture that calls it "dirty", you'd be even more appalled by this film if it showed full frontal, wouldn't you? Of course. Because you are a product of this culture. Don't let culture define your God... let God define your culture.
@@wandering_heart Do you live in America "Wandering Heart"? If so, you believe culture and society have made it a "taboo subject"? Are you talking about the 1800s? And, if I may ask, where did you get the idea that nudity was common among godly people in biblical times?
@@rdrift1879 welp, I'm trying to respond to you, but RUclips has deemed my entirely clean comment unclean. 🤣😂 I'm trying my best to edit it over and over again to find what they think is wrong with it. I may take it apart into individual paragraphs and post it that way so I can better narrow down the issue. Bear with me :) lol
Alisa, I've been watching your channel for a while now and I sincerely appreciate the perspective you provide on topics like this. It's so encouraging seeing such an articulate Christian woman proclaim essential truths.
I had not read this book or heard of it until my wife mentioned she was going with some other Christian women at our church to see it. It had mixed reviews from those I spoke of that saw it but it is not one I’m planning to see. I also forwarded this to my wife to watch, thank you as always for your insight, God bless you
The book of Hosea is incredible! I studied it in depth a few years ago, and it totally cut me to the heart with understanding of the broken heart of God over the sin of His people. I hadn't even heard of the movie, so probably wouldn't have seen it anyway 🙂
Thank you. This was refreshing to hear. I Loved your music as a teen (and now my own tween daughters do too). As an adult, I appreciate the sound biblical insight. Keep doing what you're doing; it's inspiring.
I will be honest, I fell for it. I went and saw the movie because I felt the book did a decent job of bringing the love and forgiveness of Christ into the story, telling all readers that Jesus has never left us; that it is we who abandon Him. So, my mom, sister, and two teen nieces 😳 went to the movie. My sister and her daughters had never read the book. I explained that in the book, Francine wrote it in a way that sex scenes were not super descriptive. She would lead up to it and then it was up to the reader to understand what happened, almost justifying sin to accumulate in our minds and hearts. The Spirit sent me a red flag that I ignored when I gave a disclaimer saying, "Now this is a Hollywood adaptation, so they'll probably use artistic license, blah blah blah..." That was the Spirit stirring my heart, and I ignored it. I basically gave sin permission to be witnessed, seen, heard. And to my teen nieces, new Christians, of all people 😫. To say we were all uncomfortable is an understatement. I felt so guilty seeing my nieces stare at the ceiling of the theater as the scenes kept going. And if the visuals weren't embarrassing enough, there was the sounds to contend with! It was awful! We should have left. I was hoping it would get better, but the message NEVER came about God's love for us. There was NEVER mention about how we all need Jesus more than anything. It was so disappointing. I found a balm for myself in the book, because there were certain aspects of Angels life that I connected with, and also that I saw in many friends. I felt protective of her and wanted to defend this story! But it's NOT the story of Hosea. It's not the lesson God breathed into scripture. But I allowed myself to justify it. I am so thankful for your video. I am thankful that it helped me "snap out of it" in defending sin to support our feelings! Progressive Christianity is based so much on feelings, and I have spoken out against it before, but this just proved to me how easy it is to embrace making me feel good as opposed to what the true message from our Lord and Savior truly says. I can't take back my actions, and I am now held accountable for asking my nieces to witness this sin. I have to face God, and know that I am one of the people Jesus speaks of in Luke 17:2 "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to win. So watch yourselves." This is me. I am responsible, and it weighs heavy on me. It is a sobering reminder that the evil one is everywhere and knows how to make even strong Christians stumble. However, I am reminded the cost of Jesus' sacrifice and that I am one he died for too. He is greater than the sin I have committed. And I am fervent in my repentance and prayers of apology of how I supported this sin. So, I ask for people to not see the movie, but also to extend grace to those who were blinded by a "Christian" storyline to be portrayed in a movie. We all fall short. Sometimes, it is so much more obvious. But please help those of us who have stumbled to stand again on The solid Foundation. God bless, and please forgive me.
Who will cast the first stone at you? We all fall short. Your relationship with the Lord is true and that is what matters. We will be judge by how much we have loved, really loved, not by how much we have sin. So continue to delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Praying that you find peace. Thank you for sharing your story. I was so looking forward to seeing the movie for I love the book, it made me believe that I was allowed to want someone who love me the way God wanted me to be loved. Last year we celebrated our 17 years anniversary. God gave me a wonderful husband and blessed me even more so with 3 children. God is faithful to those who hold on to his words, and even with those who forget Him. I am curious about the movie so I may watch it still, but I will just close my eyes and ears when nude scene will come on, I usually do it for most movies anyways so. Unfortunately the author was not able to save it from it, sex sells better in our society. But hopefully people will remember more things than just the sex scene. Let’s pray about that too. Sex surround us daily. Prepare our kids to think about it in regard to the design God as in plan for us is what matters. Let’s do our best to teach them what loving words and gestures are, and hope they will wait to be united with their spouse in holy matrimony to consume their love the way God intend. But if they fall short, like I have, yet He will come meet them where they are and show them the way back to Him like He did for me. And I am bless beyond reason. And so thankful 🥲 So thank you for the insight about the movie and sharing your hurt with us. Be bless , and like another person comment, do not worry about your niece, the Lord will provide a way for her through you or others. May His peace be with you and those reading me.
THANK YOU from the bottom of my soul for being so transparent and contrite and honest with God. This is an encouraging, instructive, and convicting example to the rest of us! Remember that His grace IS *sufficient,* and He always gives grace to the spiritually *humble* , as you clearly appear to be in your words. I pray that the Lord will use what you've written to convict the many sinful women here who continue to justify and defend this vile and truly evil movie. May they come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit just as you have and also begin warning others NOT to see this trash instead of encouraging people to do so!
A few months ago, I saw the trailer for this movie. When the trailer started, I thought, wow I really want to watch this movie! I even added the premiers date to my calendar right away. As I went back to watch the rest of the trailer, I quickly felt uncomfortable and knew it was a movie I probably shouldn’t watch. I knew I shouldn’t watch it exactly because of the reasons you listed. Even the trailer was a bit steamy and I know that nothing beneficial or edifying will come from watching a movie like that. While I am sure the story line is nice, anyone who has the fear of the Lord would not feel comfortable watching.
Thank you! I needed this! My ladies group was planning on going together. I know for me personally seeing the scenes would've provoked lust and insecurity. I desire to honor Jesus in all that I do, and this message really helped me to not fall.
Having seen the movie, they for sure could have portrayed their consummation way differently. I think their point was to make the viewer see how Angel was feeling, how this was different from any other time she had (being a prostitute she was used to being used as an object for lust), which I'd say is very applicable for today's women. They could have portrayed this same feeling through significantly less graphic storytelling, however. As for its portrayal of Hosea, I feel that the words ' inspired by ' rather than 'based off of' would suite the story far better, as it is definitely not a true retelling of Hosea, just a story sparked by the notion of a godly man marrying a prostitute and what that might look like. Though in terms of it having a progressive theme, I must say that as blatantly true as the fact of us being sinners and us needing to fall to our knees and repent before God is, so is the fact that He loves us and wants to draw us out of the enemy's grasp and into His true love. This, I feel, was the true theme of the story, that God loves us so much that there is nothing we can do that would make Him turn His back on us, which is not contradictory to us needing repentance. Again, not a true interpretation of Hosea the book, but still a message that young women need to hear today; I just wish it was with different scenes
In other words, a carnal movie about the feminist agenda of sexuality. A total IDOLATRY of the human self. The actual book of Hosea has nothing to do with that nonsense you're spewing. "Very applicable to today's women"? What are you smoking? The problem with the movie is that like anything influenced by the Devil it's distorting the message of God. The relationship between Hosea and his wife was akin to that of The Lord and Israel. It's poetry. And the message of that book of the Bible really is: To Love God is to KNOW God...not to pretend you believe in Him while you pretend to satiate your carnal pornographic desires. You're using God to serve yourself, instead of the other way around, that's the sign of idolatry. Watch out. Why not just watch Sex and the City then. I heard Becket Cook has great criticism on it given that he knows the main writer is pretty good.
I completely agree with your review. Well said. I wanted the sex scene to stop much sooner. I have read the book and seen the movie. There were multiple times that I was thinking, God that is how you love us. You run after us. You never give up on us. You redeem us. We are the harlot yet you love us unconditionally. It is a good message. I also wondered if the sex scenes were meant to show God's design for sex...within marriage. 🤷🏻♀️just a thought.
Completely agree! The graphics could have been more discreet in those few scenes. I also think about the sexual brokenness of this day and age, and how a story like this could reach and really speak to this generation.
@@einarabelc5 I agree with your points about the movie and our culture. I wish you had shown more love in how you talked to the OP, who was not rude or inflammatory at all. Not everybody has reached the same understanding or maturity, and Jesus was gentle with individuals as He corrected them. Something to think about.
I agree with how you about responded to her saying it was all "progressive themes" -- that we are just a bunch of sinners only deserving of hell. I'm not denying that, but I do like how in Romans 5:6, Paul starts off with "For while we were still WEAK, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." -- he later goes on to describe humans as "sinners" and "enemies" -- but I think it's telling that he starts off with "WEAK" people in need or rescue. Of course, we were enemies of God, but Paul would say that isn't rooted in our willful hatred of him, but in our weakness as slaves. We need rescuing.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s so refreshing to hear what I have been struggling to put into words. I have so many friends that are excited about this movie and my reaction was I don’t want to see it. This honestly has encouraged me to stick with my convictions and not give into peer pressure.
I have read the book many times. It really was a beautiful story of redemption. When I first saw the preview for it a couple of months ago, I was very excited about it. Then I started to see all this talk around it, some people were saying positive and some were saying negative. I went to see it last night with a friend, just to have my own opinion about it. Let me tell you one thing, I wouldn’t want to watch that movie with my husband. There is just way too much nudity. She could of had some covering on, but they chose to show her naked with just her hair covering the front. Plus the two steamy sex scenes, I think went way too far, was very uncomfortable, they took it all the way. And because of all these explicit scenes, that movie should be rated, not pg13. My daughter is 13 and i wouldn’t want her to watch it either. I completely agree with Alisa, this movie didn’t bring me to my knees repeating of my sins. I was disappointed quite honestly, I expected much better.
@@tiannad1378 it does and implies it but from what I can remember does not go into great detail. The main focus in the books is on redemption, “sex” was a small part of it aside from the prostitution part. The book was way better. The books even shows what is supposed to be “satan” and the Holy Spirit, you see and hear the spiritual battles going on in her mind, see how she feels unworthy of love, and how she doesn’t even recognize what love is when she begins to feel it for Michael. And Michael tries over and over to show her “Jesus” by having kindness and endless forgiveness towards her. The book, I’d recommend 10x more than the movie. She is right ⬆️. Movie was disappointing and I think skewed from what the true meaning of the story was supposed to be… Not to mention in the books her friendship with Miriam is a hugeeee part of the plot that they completely mow over. In the books the Altman’s also have like 6 kids not 2 🤣 and angels relationship with little ruthie is a huge subplot as well and is a big part of angel’s healing process. She even helps Mrs Altman give birth! They mowed over that in the movie as well lol. So much that was important was missed. Too many flashbacks in the movie and not enough of the “present” that mattered most.
But we can agree that we did not see any breast nor butt in the film. I don’t think the sex scenes were horrible, to me they were pg13. The silhouette of the women body is nothing to be ashamed about , like I said no explicit body part was shown .
I just watched this movie this past weekend. My husband put it on because it’s a Prime Video and under other suggested Christian movies. We had no idea what it was about and what other Christians were saying about it. My husband and I were shocked with the sex scenes between the husband and wife. We remember when Kirk Cameron was in Fire Proof and how they substituted his real wife in the end scene when they embraced and kissed. Wow what a difference in that type of acting out portrayed intimacy from then and now with this movie. I would not think this movie is a “christian” movie. Yes married couples engage in sexually intimacy but it doesn’t need to be showcased on video. I don’t struggle with pornography but many christian brothers do, where is the concern for making them stumble. Also I thought PG 13 meant parental guidance was strongly recommended. No Christian parent should be letting their child watch this movie, not even a teenage child.
Ahhhh I’ve only just become aware of who Kirk Cameron is via living waters , Ray Comfort et al. Learning that they substituted his wife for kissing scene has just melted my heart. I shan’t be watching this film!
Guys read the book…there’s more details and there’s nothing at all wrong with it. I LOVED the book so much and I was shook by part of it and usually Christian novels are predictable/cheesy.
@@TheAshliekay I did read the book after watching the movie. The book is pretty steamy also. But the movies sex scenes have penetrating movements and foreplay of him fingering her. Then they made the cover photo for the film them having sex on the hilltop. There is no reason for any of this content in a “Christian” movie.
I read the book over 20 years ago and it was an amazing Spiritual experience. The love of God was introduced to me through this story in a deeper way which open my heart for years to know and search for more understanding of how unfathomable God’s love is. The book has changed many peoples lives and reset their understanding of the intensity of God’s love. Francine River’s is a gift to the body of Christ. Her Mark of the Lion series of books was also amazing and life transforming. Just realize the book and the movie may not be for you but trust me God will use them both to open hearts. I saw the movie and it didn’t touch me spiritually the way the book did. But I brought a young troubled girl in her 20’s who has had a sexually difficult upbringing and guess what? She wept like a baby and received some healing. So my advice is to pray for the movie to be covered by God’s Holy Spirit to heal many who don’t know how much God loves people who sin against him. He will redeem us if we say YES to him. I’m sure Francine River’s would so appreciate your prayers for this story to change lives for God.
Amen…. I truly believe this movie is reaching the unsaved that will not go into a church but now thru this movie come to know of God’s redeeming love 💗 I read the book and saw the movie. Both brought me to tears at the message of God’s great love and forgiveness 😇
I respectfully disagree.. I can't and won't change your mind.. But I can at least challenge you to read and think on it.. Please read 1 Thessalonians 5: 22-24.
@@mirmirultra10 Great Point about others coming to know of God's love -Yes and Amen to that! And same thing happened here, I was in tears! So Powerful!
Just because you cried and were driven by emotions that are feeding a need to be loved like Cinderella by a man on this earth instead of having your eyes on righteousness and the kingdom does not make this Holy and glorifying to God. I can't imagine standing before God and expecting that He would be accepting of this because He would not.
I read the book when I was in college, an unmarried virgin and follower of Christ. I remember one of the sex scenes I. The book made me feel so ashamed for even reading it. I couldn’t understand why so many Christian women had recommended it to me. Knowing that the movie scenes are just as steamy as the book scenes, I won’t be seeing it.
Thank you Alisa! I am in complete agreement. We need to get back to reading our Bibles and throw out this "Christian fluff". There is so much damaging media, books, movies, "Bible studies for women", being peddled to weak minded Christian women today!
@Lavender Sunshine I agree. I avoid those studies as well as anything "celebrity Christian" completely. I know you've read 2 Tim 3:1-7. There is so much deceit in the world today!
I watched the movie this weekend with my husband and left the theatre weeping in repentance. It touched on some deep areas in my life when I saw a visual story of the unrelenting, freedom-giving, redeeming love we have in Jesus, despite how we “prostitute” ourselves to other idols. This movie was a powerful springboard towards Jesus for me. The story is edgy and real, and wouldn’t be healthy for everyone to see. We averted our eyes at certain points for sure. I would highly recommend it to certain people, and not recommend it to others. Ultimately, we must pray and ask Jesus if this is something that would be a springboard towards Him, or a stumbling block.
@@LoriWingerBordessa i think because it was still a powerful message and it hit on some heavy topics and in reality there are people that go through the things that are portrayed in the movies. The movie could have done without the sex scenes but it was still a good movie without. My opinion is that they just shouldn’t have included certain scenes in there.
@@dhenderson319 I agree they should not have included the sex scenes. Powerful message or not. It reminds me of the small amount poop in the brownies example. I still wouldn’t “eat the brownies”. And I don’t have a problem with lust. But many do. Jesus said to avoid those things/flee from things that would cause you to sin. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out kind of talk. This movie seems to indulge the senses and sinful thoughts and not what the Lord taught us.
Honestly, I stay clear of any type of sexual screens in movies or on TV. As I am a single woman that could be tempted back into my old ways. I agree Alisa, I will stick with Hosea in the Bible. ✝️🙏🏼❤️
Same here sister. If it causes us to sin we are to cut it off 🙈💕🙏
I do too. I used to be addicted to porn so I know my weakness. I don't watch anything sexual or violent movies or TV shows.
That's almost all of them these days.
There are sex scenes?
Might as well watch porn straight to the point 😂😂
As a former sex addict, i refuse to watch any sex scenes or even kissing scenes. I am often called fuddy duddy by family members but i know my struggles and i overcame them, thanks to Jesus.
Me too I still battle and not good to put ourselves in this situation
@Carlos Smith Yo Carlos if u would like to talk lemme know. I have the same issue and I’m battling with it every day. Want to get baptized this year really need a person a friend who can understand and be there. If not then it’s all good. God bless u!
I pray for your healing. 🙏
@@musicohollic I'm a woman, but I understand what your going thru. I support & encourage you. Get baptized soon! Really learn and apply the word. I pray God brings your Godly wife soon.
Amen!!
I wished I seen this before I watched the movie...
When I was watching this movie, I was looking back at my childhood. When I was 12 years old, I was molested by a family member. During this movie I was crying because I felt her pain and suffering. What the lady was saying was exactly how I felt. I thought God didn't love me because someone took a piece of me. When she was washing your body. That's how I felt in the shower. The end of the movie got to me even more, that God care about us and he does love us. When she said that she can't have any kids. That's what the Dr said about me. Now that I'm 23 years old and married to a great Christian man. During this movie, I didn't know I was pregnant. It changed my life for better. I'm going to church and I am now learning about God. The past doesn't define who I am today. God does see me and he loves me. God gave me a baby. I found out the last day of January.
Thanks for sharing. God bless
God bless you and your family! May you guys be prosperous and happy, and May He Fill your life with so many blessings and care!
Truly inspiring your story is too!!🙏❤️🤗
What I am hoping is that you will fully know as was portrayed so clearly in this film - beauty for all your ashes and only the oil of joy and gladness and beauty from hereon
Congratulations on your precious new baby. What did you name your baby?
I went with my husband and we were absolutely shocked by how many sensual scenes there were. We almost left in the middle of the movie. It was pretty uncomfortable, but definitely eye opening about the girls who got stuck into the system of prostitution. The movie left out a lot of important parts from the book about God redeeming the main girl. The movie was more about her finding the power within herself to leave prostitution and learn to love herself and her husband. The book gives you a lot more Jesus and her internal thoughts about coming to love Jesus.
TBH, the book helped me learn a lot about God's love, but the movie was just really uncomfortable and didn't talk about God as much as I figured a Christian movie would've. I wish I wouldn't have gone. :(
Thank you for your review!
Movie was so "bad" but you never left it. Makes no sense. But I bet you all had a great energy that evening when it was time for bed. This blows me away and you all or most of you all have seen every 50 Shades movie without a doubt.
@@waffleman0214
What you said was rude and uncalled for and you have not seen the movie. Because I can assure you that what the movie portrays is the nastiness of sex outside of marriage and the evil hardship of prostitution. It is not something that makes you feel what you said. The movie in no way was intended to be a “Christian movie “. It is a movie about this book written 25 years ago that leaves out a whole lot that is really really really important regarding God.
What the movie make you feel is the wonderful forgiving strong love this man had. But like Anna, I would recommend instead of the movie, to read the book.
The book touches your soul and reaches your heart. You will grieve with and you will rejoice with Sara and Michael. And it will cause you to grow closer to God if you’re able to see the nuggets of biblical truth that the author puts into the book.
I agree with you.
What the movie makes you feel is the wonderful forgiving strong love this man had. But I also would recommend instead of the movie, to read the book.
The book touches your soul and reaches your heart. You will grieve with and you will rejoice with Sara and Michael. And it will cause you to grow closer to God if you’re able to see the nuggets of biblical truth that the author puts into the book.
I ordered the book the same day I watched the movie and received it the next day. I received it on Friday and I finished reading it on Sunday evening. 🤗
It’s not a steamy romantic novel. Not at all. It is a story of hardship and redemption through the love of God. If a person has a heart towards God they get a taste of that from watching the movie. I knew that books are always better. And it is. It is an amazing book that I will return to reading again and again. I actually, LOL, also purchased the audio. I love the story that much.
I was once more reminded of and touched by the power of God‘s love. Growing in Jesus is not always easy. It is sometimes very very hard.
@@marialamb6781 I'm glad you enjoyed the book as well! I definitely thought it had more to do with her redemption story than the movie did.
There is nothing wrong with sex between husband and wife; unless it’s you watching another husband and wife having it.
Stand firm in your faith and stop being swayed by the world.
That hits the nail right on the head! There are things that we are free to do but others are not free to observe! I worry our digital social media age is causing confusion on this point.
Agreed 👍
Nicely stated
Perfectly stated!
And lets not forget, that the actors are highly unlikely to actuially be married... And it needs to be filmed by a film crew, directed, lighting etc. There is no "Moral" sex scene in acting.
Plus, there is never a reason that you need any titillating scenes. If a sex scene is needed for the storyline (I personally don't sgree with this line, but) then a scene can be created without any inappropriate flesh scenes...
You are 100% right! As Christian women, we are to glorify God in all we do. “Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways.” Psalms 119:37
Exodus 20:17 "You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."
Amen!
Psalm 119:36-37 is the Words God used to show me that He is ALL that matters!
“Direct my heart towards Your Precepts and away from gain….Avert my eyes from what is worthless - by Your Ways, give me life!”
Amen well said there’s scripture for everything
No sex scenes for any reason.
I thought it way too steamy in the Trailor. I am unmarried and after seeing the trailor, I had to take a few thoughts captive and keep it moving. Not for me as a single.
Stay true. Awesome! 🙂
....good for you sister in Christ.
(Proverbs 31, vs.10)
I'm single too and try to stay away from these scenes. I appreciate this review!
It’s certainly not any better if you’re married - we are called to purity whatever our stage in life!
@@garlandofbooks4494 amen! I read the book as a younger married woman. While not graphic, per se, it still gave glimpses into a man's sexual desire, that could be gateways into more graphic lit.
I watched this movie the other night and sat in the theatre for ten minutes after sobbing over my own sin thinking about how much God loves us and how patient and kind He is with us. How merciful He is with us. Yes there were some surprising scenes. And yes I hear what you are saying and agree, to a certain extent. I think it really depends on the person and what’s in their own heart as to whether they feel like they would be enticed by this movie. Even watching this movie and seeing the sex scenes I was personally not enticed I felt differently about it not persuaded in infatuation but it made me see what sex is for, that it is for marriage. As someone who grew Up in an unhealthy family molested and having to live with the man that molested me for over 20 years I resonated with this girl in the movie and it made me see Gods love for me in a different way, for me personally I feel even more set free from the lies of the enemyAbout marriage and even sex after seeing this movie it made me want to live even more in holiness bc of what Jesus has done and that He has been with me all along. I mean I knew that already but seeing something like this on screen as a visual person just brings it to life more for me personally. And it also made me want a higher standard in a husband seeing how he loved his wife so unconditionally he was so patient and kind his patience stood out to me extremely due to past abusive controlling relationships, Maybe not everybody needs to see this movie but I definitely think that if anyone has been hurt in such a way God can definitely use it to bring freedom and even healing in a way that I feel it did for me. If it goes against your conscience, don’t watch it. But it doesn’t for me. I have a friend who once watched frozen and the Lord used that movie as she watched it with her children to get free from unforgiveness. He can use whatever He wants I don’t want to put Him in a box and even though I thought it was weird at the time I saw the difference in her and how she truly forgave and moved forward. I want to be careful in judging other peoples hearts and situations I don’t feel like this movie will impact everyone the same it probably could cause someone to lust and it could also bring freedom to someone else I think it depends on their heart. 💕
I agree! Thank you for sharing your story!
Absolutely agree! I am so sorry for what you’ve been through but thank you for sharing ❤️
Agreed. I have been through “hell” with sexual misuse from my earliest memories until age 22 when I got Saved by Jesus and then married. I was not at all triggered or aroused or even offended by the sex scenes (I’ve actually seen worse on prime time TV, but I digress).
I liken it to a soldier watching violent content. I absolutely cannot watch violence at all, but someone who has been imbedded in a military operation and experienced war might have no problem viewing it onscreen for the telling of a story- I have been imbedded in a social/sexual war and can tolerate more than most virginal Christians can probably.
Like I said in my post, unfortunately without all of the dialogue and prayer between Michael Hosea and the Lord, this just becomes another Hollyweird love story.
I am much more concerned that victims of sexual misuse or prostitution or sex trafficking could actually believe that without Christ, a man like this actually exists (spoiler alert, they don’t) and more damage could be done on the back end of a marriage after abuse.
Watching this movie made me go back to my Savior in prayer, discussion and reverence and made me see the next level of work and healing I am ready to do with HIM.
@@forannies that’s amazing! So glad the Lord used it for your good and His glory!!🙌🏻
Entirely agree!! Beautiful testimony; God is so hungry to reach our hearts and speak to us ❤️
I am in ministry in Japan, and the movie has not reached this country yet, so I’m speaking out of ignorance here, but one obvious thought is that it takes an actor and an actress, presumably who are not married, being Inappropriately intimate To portray a sex scene. So, why would we want to condone that?
Absolutely correct! I’ll be praying for your ministry and your beautiful country.
Good point! The bible tells us to flee from sexual immorality, but then we as Christians support programs that have people acting out and then being immoral for entertainment value. I was watching a show the other day and thought it was weird how people can kiss someone other than their spouse?. I would not be ok with my husband making out with another woman, even if it paid him alot. I love him to much.
@@carolynenochs9139 thank you. Less than 0.5% of Japanese are Christians.
I agree with you. God bless you and the ministry you are in. Are you Japanese? I think that Japan, it's history and people are interesting. My son taught himself Japanese language when he was around 19 years old.
💯%!
I was actually given a hard time by a woman in my church about not going because out of all the ladies I'm the only one who said no...
but I prayed and the Holy Spirit said not to go. That's the problem, Alisa, the people don't ask God first!
Amen. You did the right thing. It's so important to think about God's perspective and ask ourselves what He would want for us. We need to stop making decisions without consulting God.
Please don't judge her as she judged you. God may have spoken one message to you and another to someone else.
Always follow first what the Holy Spirit guides
Newsflash, Church are just as stupid as the rest of humanity...be careful with confusing Church with Christianity. If manipulated properly a "church" can turn into a branch of The Communist party in one or two generations. Paul Washer has a lot of arguments of why. I'm adding the idea of where said church ends.
It is true. I’m so glad you listened to the Spirit
I am humbled as I read comments on here from people who are genuinely trying to follow Christ and put his words into practice. I cannot say that I have been doing the same, and am bothered that my initial reaction to the idea of the movie is to shrug my shoulders.
Lust is not a toy to be played with... Jesus said so himself... I need to examine my heart.
Thank you for making this review and for opening this up as a conversation.
Hey, a person willing to think! Good choice and nice name. ;)
Both Israel (approximately 1300 BC) and Ugarit(approximately 6000 BC) had a highest god called El. They shared seventy "sons of El." called by similar divine titles. Both religions talk about the multi-headed chaos dragon and use the same cognate titles for him. In both religions, their divine beings met on a mountain called by the same name, in tents called by the same name, in a well-watered mountain at the source of several rivers watering the earth- upon which the temples of both religions were connected to mimic a heavenly archetype. Now remember Jesus affirmed the Old Testament and everything in it.
@Emily canwell Beautiful comment, I agree, so much can be learned by reading what other people say. About three years ago the Lord really began reigning in what I watched. We don’t realize how much we are influenced and brainwashed by society. Babylon has entered into the church and no one sees it. Good for you Emily, continue to allow Jesus to clean you up!!!
What a beautiful, receptive spirit you have. You've encouraged me to work on my own often stubborn spirit.
I read the book many years ago and it helped me overcome many misunderstandings I had re. sex between a husband and wife. The movie conveyed the sanctity of marriage which also conveyed how God loves us unconditionally, but also purely and prostitution, fornication, and adultery are man's depraved efforts to use God's gifts for selfish gain and perversion.
At the end, the movie does not show Hoseah and his wife consummating their marriage! In the book she finally returns of her own volition and as she walks across a field to her husband she removes her clothes. Hoseah takes off his shirt and puts it around her. However, in the movie she does not remove her clothes; Hoseah welcomes her into his arms. To me either conveyance sought to express how we need to return to God of our own decision; God does not force Himself on anyone. However, when we come , we come with no merit of our own, no good works. God is waiting and ever ready to welcome us back when we come to Him in loving humility.
The movie conveys the ugliness and corruption of mankind, but also expresses that God has not forgotten us and He sees and draws people from all walks of life because He is not willing people to perish; they must choose. I believe that this is what the movie sought to convey and, while it may have been more graffic than some would wish, I believe it sometimes takes that degree in order to get our attention to see our own depraved condition and to see how it is totally contrary to what
God intended...yet He still seeks to draw us to Himself.
I read the Redeeming Love book over a year ago and I loved it. It wrecked me, and when I re-read it early this year, I still felt the same way about it. I was so excited for the movie and even made plans to see it on opening weekend. As time got closer to the opening, though, I started to get weary about it, so I looked up reviews. Thank God for the Focus on the Family review, because it made me change my mind about seeing the movie.
Now, I do love this book, and I think that I always will, but for the movie to push sex as a main aspect of it was completely wrong. Yes, sex exists, but we cannot deny what the Bible says about it. We should not succumb to society and push sex to have higher sales. Why not let the story speak for itself? God doesn't need sex to get people to love Him, so why should we use sex that way?
I will say when it comes to "biblical retelling of Hosea," I do not and never have seen Redeeming Love that way. The book does not portray it as a retelling of the story, but more of an inspiration of the fact. It never was meant to completely portray all of Hosea, so keep that in mind. In the book, the main focus was the redemptive love that Angle was able to find after continually struggling through God. The focus wasn't the sex, and you can tell through the progression of the storyline of how Angle comes to find God and overcomes her own demons, finding peace and love.
It is a book that I recommend to a lot of people, and I likely will continue to do so, but I cannot say that I support the movie, nor that the movie sounds anything like the book. As someone who has struggled with lust and porn addiction, this book wrecked me and helped me realize that if God can take a broken prostitute and make her whole, then He can do the same for me. I cannot, however, stand by a movie that exploits sex. I do what I can to avoid temptation, so I am saying no to this movie.
I agree!! We almost went with our 2 teenage boys and thank God my husband looked at Plugged In first. I was mortified by the review
I don't know which movie you watched. The one I watched didn't have the excessive sex scenes. This review is purely uninformed.
@@musondakabemba5788hey, sorry for the late reply. I didn't get the notification.
Kindly reread my comment. I never said I watched the movie, just that I read the book. In my opinion, any movie that portrays sex is excessive. Sex is to be between one man and one woman in the confines of marriage. It isn't for the whole world to view, and anything other than what God depicts is immorality. God says in His Word that even looking at a woman with lust is a sin, so why should we subject ourselves to watching sex?
As a single Christian man I have no business seeing something like this. I need to "make a convenient with my eyes". I have enough opportunities for temptation by just living in the world without purposely putting this before eyes. Thanks for your review.
I feel this as a single Christian woman as well...
Exactly. It's a worldly film adaptation of a heavenly story. And as you'd expect, it is not of God. It is of man who does not know God. And will in turn lead others away from God and toward the world. As a sinner myself, I couldn't watch that movie or read that book without being heavily tempted. Sin is dangerous. It's a fire that can get out of control.
@@all4jesusall4him37 I'm a married Christian woman and I still wouldn't watch it. There are some things that are just wrong to expose ourselves to regardless of our marital status. The mind is where all sin starts...
covenant
I feel the same way as a single believer
As a Costume Designer, I have never met an actor who is comfortable making these scenes and I have had to council some. They battle huge emotional turmoil. Even the actors 50 shades talked about needing alcohol and showers before they could hold their babies. So our lust directly fuels someone's struggle.
Well they hav sold their souls to the occult elite for fame money n glory ...
Ummmm.. I don't think this is the same🤔... 50 shades is _actual_ porn (not to mention, a sucky story) . I wouldn't expect anything _anywhere_ close to that in this film.
@@politereminder6284 not the same, but similar. I think it’s still a good point. And it doesn’t mean the actors here, while maybe not engaging in porn, aren’t also traumatized to a degree by what they’re having to do
@@nateg.6187 Glad you liked it. I really loved the book, so very much. I expect the film to also be wonderful. I hope it does well at the box office in spite of the Cancel culture happening here.
That is so heartbreaking. At some point one has to make choices about integrity and dignity and making a buck. To lose one’s soul for money… such a heartbreaking reality
As a man, it is encouraging to me to know there are still Christian women like you out there who are discerning and refuse to give in to the temptations of the culture, no matter how popular they are with many of your sisters in the faith. Thank you for taking a stand and encouraging others to pursue holiness.
There are women who have that conviction for, Im one of them.
Amen
Alisa probably doesn’t spend the vast amount of her spare time on fb, instant gram, Snapchat, etc. Those social media sites ruin EVERYBODY’S minds
@@berenlevia8486 same 😇
@@jaco7675 she certainly spendss a lot of time on you tube!
I’m so relieved to see other Christians taking this stance. And so amazed I found this video by “chance” and recognized your name! I was a huge ZOEgirl fan as a preteen, so it’s wonderful to find you on this platform after all these years. Thank you for the influence you’ve had on me and many others!
Such a sweet comment. I don't think Alissa realizes what a blessing she was in Zoe Girl and now a Titus 2:4 leader.
The call for purity and for reverence for God's Word - thank you, sister.
As a Christian woman who has suffered damage (molestation, rape, abuse, betrayal) throughout my life from men and woman with porn addictions of many forms, this movie is a slap in the face! The face of the baby that l was, the little girl, the pre teen, the teen, the young woman, young mom, and as midlife married woman with a pre teen daughter myself. At every stage the porn addict tried to justify what they did, and how they got there, with the same excuses as are being used in the making of this twisted movie and those who "enjoyed" watching it. Christ does not need this poison to show redemptive love. It is not Biblical. It is not the story of Hosea and Gomer. This movie, at minimum,, should recalled and finished decently. And if it supposed to me a retelling of Hosea, the adultery needs to be written in, and then the forgiveness and redemption. As is, this movie is a slap in the face of all porn victims and The True Redeemer, Christ.
Yes. Amen. 😥💔
The movie did include the adultery of Gomer / Angel as well as forgiveness and redemption shown clearly in the movie… I do agree that they gave too much license in the sex scenes that was not necessary! They need to remake it w an edited version removing those scenes I would highly recommend it. I myself was compelled to read all of Hosea after I read the book, so in that vein I’d say it might draw others to pick up a Bible and read for themselves!
I agree, and as a survivor of child trafficking, being told I need forgiveness is not the right message. It only brings back shame and guilt that was never mine to bear. Did they even talk to survivors? Jesus wants to heal us and put us back together and give us his peace. I'm sorry you were hurt. I'm praying you are in a safe place.
This is right on time…Inwas supposed to go see this with friends last night. Not really knowing what it was about. They just said it’s a Christian author…I was unable to go and now after seeing your video, I am glad, but then a little aggravated that we don’t “wake up.” Read the Bible if you want to know about Hosea…I totally agree. Women are so gullible
I wish you had watched it. It was made for women like us. It IS about our Redeemer, Christ, and His great love for each of us. It is not perfect, nor will it please everyone, and it certainly isn't Scripture, but I'm just sad that so many people are happy to judge when they haven't even seen it.
'Is that going to draw you to Christ?' If we never relent on asking ourselves this honestly we'll have so much more than we can ever dream of.
Does eating breakfast draw you closer to chirst? How about choosing to drive a Corolla instead of an Accord?
You are free. Enjoy your freedom.
@@CALALAMILA huh?
@@CALALAMILA brother, I don't think it's hard to discern what the OP meant. In Christ we have been set free to be slaves to Christ. This means our nature is progressively becoming more and more like His. This is a work of the Holy Spirit, and not something we muster up by doing more quiet times, etc. Our desires become Christ-honoring desires; the desires that bring true joy. Our life in Christ SHOULD be one of honoring Christ in all that we do. Whether you eat or drink, do it all for the glory of the Lord. The OP wasn't talking about legalism.
@@CALALAMILA BOTH of these decision CAN be boiled down to "does it draw you closer to Christ. If you don't see that I will pray you will.
I am a Christian. (Non denominational) Redeeming Love is an absolutely beautiful movie. I didn’t find their love scenes after marriage inappropriate at all. They did not show anything at all in this movie. I don’t understand these comments. This movie was beautifully done. I was just frustrated with how many times she left this poor guy!!!! It was a beautiful story of romantic love and Godly love. It
Literally shows how she comes back to God and that last time it’s her praying that gives her the idea to tell the truth. So essentially, God helped her out that last time and then she went back to her husband when she was fully ready and repentant toward God as well. I honestly don’t understand all the ugly comments about this movie. The entire movie was beautifully done with amazing actors, and it came together quite nicely. Poor girl had to go through a lot in her life and God brought her through it all and forgave her for a ton, sent a Godly man to her that lead her to eventually being a godly woman.
I completely agree. This review of the movie is based off hear-say. You cannot accurately give a review without seeing a movie. Also their consummation of the marriage is not the focal point of the movie. It is obvious that Micheal represents Jesus and Angel represents us without Jesus. We are all born in to sin, and blinded in a way, until we meet Jesus and surrender to Him. He comes after us in a loving and gentle way, to draw us to himself, but he never forces us. This is all represented in the movie. The scene where they consummate their marriage also represents Jesus because marital sex is a picture of Christ and His Bride. It is a Holy union. Micheal loves her unconditionally and waits for her heart to turn to him. He doesn’t force her in anyway, which is the point because this is how Jesus is with us. It shows nothing inappropriate and is actually beautiful. As far as lust is concerned; I think the bigger concern is that women are more than a collection of body parts for man’s pleasure. A woman is created in the image of God. If men see women as co heirs in Christ, and see that women in topless bars, prostitution and pornography are women who do not know their identity, they are in desperate need of a Savior, and how much this life hurts someone, then it would not create lust, but disgust.
100% agree!!!!
I agree with you all I loved the movie for the passion love and truth that it is telling us it is a BEAUTIFUL story that does touch your heart to want to be loved like Christ loved the Church Amen
I totally agree!!
Have you read the book of Hosea?
The scene would not have been able to be filmed fifty years ago. The regression into accepting the unacceptable has been slow but steady. Soft porn is still porn.
Boom!
YES
I don't think it has even been slow.
As one who works with men in various ministries - in a day when women are demeaned through pornography - it does not matter which context it is portrayed in, it is a trap for men to look at more and more images, forsake their true love and continue in a fantasy mindset about real love. Men in the church are trapped in this recurrence of feeding lust over and over again in their minds. Thanks Alisa ... you are spot on in your critique.
Yes! Why does your comment not have more likes?
@@abbeyszunyog1149 simple , the majority don't like hearing or admitting the truth.
Took me many years to get out of that trap, but I got out of it 10 years ago. Wouldn't you know that less than a year after stopping that stuff I'd meet the girl of my dreams and eventually marry her. God is good, and he's even better when we obey him.
And unfortunately porn is an issue for women too.
@@lisagrace6471 Yes. 🙁
I can’t believe there’s even a discussion about whether watching SEX SCENES is appropriate for CHRISTIAN’S to watch! Maranatha!
@@nateg.6187 What scene could people be referring to?
Amen! I wish i could like thus comnent 1000 times
@@nateg.6187 if it isn't appropriate for children under 13, why would it be appropriate for adult Christians?
@@nateg.6187 so porn is appropriate for adult Christians?
@@nateg.6187 Hebrews 13:4 instructs us to keep the marriage bed undefiled. As Christians we are to be holy in what we do. The Christian is to be typified by the act of love in all that he/she does, and this applies no less to the consummate act of love making with your marriage partner.
Making filthy movies is not an act of love, private use or not, it is not respectful to the marriage and certainly not holy. Marriage is not a free pass to act out every and any desire in privacy, it is to reflect the purity of love held between the two and enrich the life of both in that it gives a greater understanding of divine love, through sacrifice, submission to one another etc.
Your advice is cocky, worldly, and ultimately unholy and without heavenly wisdom because you speak as a goat to lead others astray. Your counsel is quite plainly wicked.
You guys, my husband and I both read the book and loved it. We heard that there was a movie (Francine Rivers, the Christian author as the director) and went to go see it thinking that since a Christian had directed the movie it would not be explicit. Boy were we wrong. I wish we would've taken the time to read reviews, but now I know we need to be more careful. We literally had to turn to look at each other and hold our hands up to not look at the screen during multiple sex scenes. And these scenes went on for a LONG amount of time. There were also multiple scenes where Angel was naked. I wish we had not gone. Let us remember what our good Lord says, "For all that is in the world-the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride in possessions-is not from the Father but is from the world." This movie was more of a hurtful story rather than a story of the redemptive work of Christ. The book was so good, and I'm sad we chose to watch the movie in theatres.
Agreed! The evil overshadowed any potential good. We felt traumatized!
Thank you for the warning. I won’t be seeing it now.
Same. I went with my husband happily
Thank you and thanks to the commenters on your post about telling the truth of the movie. However, I must ask you all, if it was so bad you had to hide your eyes if you felt traumatized if you were disgusted then why didn't you just get up and leave? It might have given someone else in the theater the courage to do the same. But for sure it would have helped you all in your walk with the Lord to flee this filth.
As someone who saw the movie, the sex scenes were not bad ! They literally showed nothing but the stomach or her legs. Her breast were covered by her long long hair and no butt was showing either. It was a beautiful movie !
The first “sermon” I ever taught was the redeeming story of Hosea & Gomer. I remember feeling horrible about how adulterous Israel & the world has been & how desperately I needed to repent. Not one time did I think it was about sex or anything like that. Man romanticizing scripture is almost as bad as not reading at all 🙄🙄🙄🙄
I disagree. The story of Israel is the story of humanity's relation to God. God describes himself in scripture as a jealous lover to get it through to us what he desires of a relationship with us. If man does not use art to romanticize our relationship with Him then of what use is it? Men have created art for that purpose since time immemorial, even in sinning against the Living God. So why would modern Christians creating contemporary art be worse than none at all? It would seem like a man refusing to sing a hymn to God's praise because he isn't the best singer? No?
@@gregkrause1348 I disagree, God calls anything in a Believers life other than Him idolity , and committing adultery towards Him .
@@gregkrause1348 I understand where you’re coming from but I’m not a fan of romanticism in any way that clouds the ability or the desire to understand God’s truth. I appreciate that the movie gives a disclaimer but for many reasons even a disclaimer won’t protect our mental cloudiness.❤️
@@gregkrause1348 Singing to God isn't sexual. No? I'm not a modern Christian. I am a person who follows the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Á
As a survivor of sexual abuse, the book has been my favorite for many years. It helped me in many ways, including saving my marriage by leaning on God’s love more. I was so excited to hear they were finally making a movie! But after some reviews and my growing walking with Christ, I have decided not to see it. In the verse where Jesus talks about lust, He also says “if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out.” Which means our watching things like this are far more important than we realize. After my marriage was restored, my husband and I read the book together and it was a very beautiful experience. We were going to have a date night and see the movie as well. But God has shown me, some things are better off not seen. If God leads you to the book, which really is about God’s love for His people. I would recommend it. However, the movie is sadly a pass for me. Thank you for your review!
I think you make an important point. I thought the book was moving and not a glorification of anything immoral. But a movie screen is a different context. It also may have been wise for the advertising to say it was inspired by Gomer but not a retelling of her story.
I resonate with this. Thanks ❤
What Review? She didn’t see the Movie. I saw the Movie last night. And if Christians are flocking together to not see it. Then there’s no hope for the Faith. This actually brings people to God and make people a better Christian. Actually a better human being. But wow, people can’t form their own opinions now? And just follow blindly a person who Reviews a film without seeing it? A Christian telling people to not see a Production that will make people that see it closer to God. Wow just wow, amazing...
@@district_13 i think you need to read the comment on which you are responding now again and also listen carefully to what Alise is saying. You are offended abd that on itself is a disturbing sign your consciende is telling you sonething different than what your flesh is telling you. It is not possible for a bad tree to produce good fruit. Period.
There is a movie made about the book of Hosea! The title is "Amazing love" the subtitle says " the story of Hosea". On the cover of the video you see two scenes: up you see Hosea in the front and his wife in the back en under the title you see a man in the front and a group of youth in the background. God bless!
I am so grateful I heard this… I would have in an appalled state, got up & left the theatre….
In 1987 my first pastor said, “If we would NEVER knock on the doors of our neighbors to step into their bedroom in asking to watch them have sex, WHY do WE somehow think it’s okay and permissible to do so on a SCREEN with STRANGERS!”
Jesus said...
John 3: 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.”
Apostle Paul said...
Titus 3 : 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Wow. This is a very interesting and convicting question! Sobering. Thanks for sharing. Your pastor was very wise.
Wow. This is a very interesting and convicting question! Sobering. Thanks for sharing. Your pastor was very wise.
The "sex scenes" are more like make-out sessions. The actors are clothed and you never never see genitalia.
You can see more skin at the BEACH than 99.5% of this movie.
Highly recommend this movie for couples to see.
My wife and I both cried.
EXCELLENT!
It’s so awesome to see and hear a women of faith stick to true doctrine. Thank you stay on course. God bless “I’m going to be reading my bible over here, reading Hosea” Amen!
You're right. The devil would love to snare Christians into a form of voyeurism under a "sanctified" guise. Truth is, the flesh is drawn to it, not the Spirit of God in us.
@caitlyncarvalho7637
I haven't seen the movie & don't plan to, but from the description of the movie by @annaculbertson, where do you see the sex & nudity depicted as bad?
My stance on whether a Christian should view any kind of sensual/sexual scenes, is NO.
You wouldn't justify watching a married couple through their window.. it is the same imagery. Our flesh can justify just about anything.. can't tell ourselves "well, this is different", when it is the same imagery going into our minds. We shouldn't give room to our flesh.
Be careful what you put in your mind, doesn't matter if you think you are strong in that area or not. Don't deceive yourself and give provision for the flesh.
Romans 13:14 "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh in regard to its lusts."
They were married though and sex scenes well she was a prostitute so idk they better mention God's voice not just the wind I want to hear that conversation of him having that conversation with God of him telling hosea that's ur wife...as longs as they show that hosea isn't just pursuing her for her beauty I'm good
@@janderson947 Gomer was a adulterer and prostitute also, but you don't read any graphic details about her activities other than what is mentioned that she had other lovers and kids that probly didn't belong to Hosea ,while married to Hosea.
God used the marriage of Hosea to Gomer to teach a spiritual truth about His love and His desire to redeem a fallen people and us as sinners.
In the book and movie , graphic detailes are given ( shown) about the girls prostitution and marriage bed activities - there's absolutely no redeeming value either the book or movie .
@@berenlevia8486 yes it is the book has saved many marriages it shows no matter what u can be redeemed rahab was a prostitute too but God used her and We don't know how she got involved in prostitution that book has helped alot of ppl everyone was once an angel in different areas not just lust and we drift from God or think that he was never there for us but whether it's through ppl God never abandon us and shows us grace idk about the movie but the book is beautiful
Amen, completely agree.
@@janderson947 the only Book that can save a marriage is the Bible , not book with soft porn.
So glad you did this because I didn’t read her book and I keep hearing about how “I have to see this movie.” Thank you so much. Bad doctrine will not produce good fruit.
Anytime someone tells me I "have to" read or watch something, I immediately go, "no I don't! Watch me!" Still haven't watched Titanic.
The movie did not really portray the book (Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers). The book had lots of scriptures and dwelt on God's redeeming love. This movie isn't it as they tried as much as possible to leave God out of it.
I saw the movie at the behest of my adult daughters. I had no idea what I was in for. Two words, extremely painful. The story of sexual and physical abuse was way more potent than the message of redemption. I was utterly shocked it was not rated R. I was so what traumatized by the painful scenes and shocked by the graphic sexual scenes. I am so thankful for you clearing up that this is not what the story of Hosea is about I was trying to explain that to my daughter. I would definitely advise not seeing the movie, and that if mothers are allowing their daughters to see it, they really need to help them through the emotional shock and pain of the show.
My husband and I would totally agree. I think we both wished we'd never seen it. So horrible! The evil truly overshadowed any possible good intended. 😪
What did your daughters think?
I was very upset since I have close family members and friends who’ve been sexually abused. If I had known what was in the movie, I never would have seen it🤦🏻♀️
You're looking at the surface of the movie. That's exactly what the movie is trying to show. Like Gomez, Angel is a sex worker and she would have done exactly like the movie shown, even worse. Yet she stayed who she is, but despite knowing that she was undeserving of anyone's love, she still got exactly that. The movie is about staying who you are, not trying to be someone you're not, and eventually you'll get everything didn't deserve to get. It might not be today, it might not be until you're 90 years old and only see it for a moment, but eventually God is going to show you his love. This movie is exactly the same story as Hosea's in the bible but it shows it in a way that is exactly how reality would have been like.
@ Deborah Blaise: Says the mother who won't watch the Notebook either, or who hasn't seen every 50 Shades movie that was just to help her sex life out, oh and I bet the Bachelor is never watched either. Go tell your tale to CNN you poor blind soul. I'll pray for you. Your daughters however LOVED the story I'm sure.
I went and watched it with my wife, I had read the book but didnt know about the sex scenes. They went incredibly too far. I was very uncomfortable and felt slimed by those scenes. The value and meat of the core principles of the movie were harmed for me by the bones of those parts. Life is too short and the stakes are too high to give any place to the devil, but thankfully if you are reading this, the Holy Spirit Himself can guide you in each and every situation. Blessings : )
Yes, I agree. It could have been better. Really. Hubby and I thought the same thing.
@@eron5605 I believe because God is such a Gentleman, He will fill us with His Love exceeding abundantly beyond what we can ask think or imagine, because He will take our disappointment in things like this and outshine it like the sun!!!
@@matthewmagee31 Amen!
I differ with you about this...
I saw the movie...
I raised 6 girls and 3 boys. (Adults now)
I am highly recommending this movie to all of them and their spouses.
It is a WONDERFUL well acted, well filmed movie of redemption, forgiveness, love and mercy.
The sex scenes are NOT at all titillating. They are not lengthy and the actors are fully clothed... more like a make-out scene!
No married couples will be at all affected in their sex lives from what is shown in this movie. They MAY however become more loving and merciful towards one another from the message in this movie.
Go see this movie!! It is wonderful!
@@fredmiller6166 No the scenes were taken too far, the content could've been delivered in a way that the audience would still understand what happened without showing every single detail of 2 people having sex, scenes like those are going to tempt young single Christians or put fantasies in their head which will lead them to do unholy things
My grandmother recommended the book to me when I was fresh out of high school, and those are EXACTLY the feelings it stirred up in me! Definitely not something a young believer struggling with purity and desperate to be married needed to be entertaining herself with. I had no idea it had been made into a movie until I saw your video, but thank you for the warning!! I’ll read Hosea instead, thanks.
This comment was so encouraging! Thank you so much for your faith!!! 💛
Westernized Christianity is gross. You have no idea what being a true follower of Jesus is.
Christianity isn't gross. Christianity is the true way from the beginning and the true way from the beginning is following God and obeying Him and having a relationship with Him. Adam and Eve taught the way to their children and grandchildren and so on ( Genesis 4:26). Christianity is a relationship with God, its also the only true pure religion ( John 15, James 1:27). Get to know the true God friend, Jesus whom is the one and only true God and Creator came to earth 2000+ years ago to go to the cross to pay our sin debt in full. His sacrifice was sufficient to pay the penalty for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2). A created being could not pay the infinite penalty required for sin against an infinite God. Only God could pay such an infinite penalty. Only God could take on the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21), die, and be resurrected, proving His victory over sin and death and that true and only God is JESUS! And He did all that because He loves us and wants to save us and have a relationship with us. Jesus is waiting for you to come to Him, He's the only way to Heaven, only He can save us from sin and from hell ( John 14, Romans 6:23, Luke 13:3). He won't cast you away from Himself if you come to Him. He calls us all to repentance, He loves us and wants to save us. believe and have faith in God then the Holy Spirit will come in and lead you to repent of your sins and God will forgive you of your sins and cleanse you by the blood of Jesus and you'll get born again by His Holy Spirit
(John 3:3-19).
Your Grandma was right. You should watch this Movie. It’s not about sex. It’s about forgiveness and how to be a better Man. Don’t listen to Prude Christians out there that tries to make sex about everything. That’s the Problem. People think about themselves too much and judge. There’s so many things in the Bible about this. Instead of reading it how about trying to feel it?
Amen it's good you listened to God, this movie is NOT biblical and no one should see it at all. there is a movie that tells the biblical story of Hosea biblically and the movie is called amazing love, there is no sex scenes in there, you can grab the bible and read Hosea and see how the movie goes along with it. it's better than redeeming love because they actually go by the bible. God bless you sister and have a blessed day ❤️🙏🏽
As a Christian man, it is difficult enough to keep my gaze fixed straight ahead. I do not need to fix my gaze at a screen where I’m watching an act that is designed specifically for marriage. Been with my wife for 23 years and that’s all I need to say about that. Thanks Childers!
stay strong, brother!
@@bonniegracevictoria6968 copy that and you keep running as well.
''As a Christian man, it is difficult enough to keep my gaze fixed straight ahead.''
God delivered Jonathan Welton and taught him HOW a man should (is designed to) see a woman, and he wrote the book Eyes of Honor that goes deeper into that. He talks about that on 4 You Tube videos.
Bishop Tudor Bismark from Zimbabwe also taught that concept, so women are NEVER a ''temptation'' issue in his life. It's pretty simple and easy to understand (if people choose to stop eating Hollywood filth).
@@rv292 Sexual immorality is the only sin God commands us to flee from. For all the other sins, God commands us to resist them.
If you feel the need to look elsewhere that is your problem and yours only not a movies...
Your comments here are just honestly perfect. Thank you so much. My husband and I went to see it without reading up on it and we left feeling a bit shell shocked and extremely annoyed that it was as violent and sexually explicit as it was. We trusted the PG-13 rating and we will never make that mistake again.
I think Roma Downey is feeling the heat from this film because she was one of the people behind this film. She’s a good person and a good Christian woman, she’s a mother, she’s a decent actress but she should’ve known better than to agree & permit the content in this. Im honestly kind of shocked hearing all the reviews, because I grew up on her work esp with “Touched By An Angel.” Probs won’t be watching her work again. Some respect is lost.
There’s never a good reason for a sex scene. Never. They can definitely get the message across without showing it.
Hi Alisa, thank you for your thoughtful insights. I read the book and then watched the movie. And let me be honest, I loved both so much. But if I’m being completely truthful here, it was for the wrong reasons. Specifically, I love the warm fuzzy feelings I get when I see/read romance stories. But just because I feel good seeing and reading those things doesn’t make them good. It is lust. It is what it is. And now thinking back to when I watched the movie, I felt so happy watching it. But after the movie I felt uncomfortable, like I had watched something I didn’t need to see. My mind felt tainted. And again being honest here, watching the movie aroused some feelings and thoughts and me that I know are not good.
So here is my conclusion. I would now give this movie (and the book with it) a hard pass. Read your Bible (I’m reading mine too!). Love what God loves. Hate what He hates (in this case lust)
“If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away.” -Matthew 5:29a ESV
Amen dear saint of God; Amen!
I truly feel like wayyy more ppl would be saying what you just described if they were also just as honest.
We are kidding ourselves if we think this is a case by case decision, and that sex scenes won't affect some ppl, but will affect others... come on. I agree with Alisa, and her boldness to say, "Wake up!"
Praise the Lord for His good work of redemption within you! He doesn't always show us this clearly how our motivations and feelings can really stem from sin (well truth is, we probably don't listen too well). I was encouraged to read this, I feel exhorted to be a lot more mindful about my media intake, and I wish more Christian women would truly evaluate their motivations like this.
Wow, thank you for being straight forward and completely honest! Refreshing. Now, go and sin no more!
you are SO BEAUTIFUL!!! God bless your heart! I love your spirit and your honesty. Thank you so so much!!!
As a Catholic I am really glad to see a woman standing up for the truth of the story in the bible. I was really worried about this movie misrepresenting the true store.
The Bible promotes flat earth cosmology. So I’m guessing you may be a member of the flat earth society.
@@gottacrushthis7556 no it doesn't
Oh yes it does. The firmament, waters above, realm of God, windows of heaven, circle of the earth, foundations of the earth, foundations of heaven, the chaos dragon all are parts of flat earth cosmology not only in Israel but also the nations around Israel.
@@gottacrushthis7556 just bc something sounds Christian doesn't make it Christian
At any rate Catholic church does not prescribe flat earth theory which all it is.
We have big bang which is God creating the world like so. We have micro evolution not macro which is Darwin's theory.
Firmament was a held in thunder cloud for lack of better words that kept earth warmer before the flood. Etc. Catholics hold differently to truth than heretics' theories of truth. We share only with protestants the sacrament of baptism which that trumps all beliefs that change like the weather.
also... Well any more half truths from you? You got some right but not it all
@@alyssabell6752 That’s what the Catholic Church teaches it’s not what the Bible says. And just so you’re aware I’m not endorsing either.
Biblical marriage should be portrayed in movies. People have no clue how amazing God created marriage to be and they should know.
What business does a sex scene have being in a Christian movie to begin with, anyway? That isn't right.
You hit the nail right on the head with this one. I think this movie is another example of trying to read current societal and social issues into scripture, completely ignoring ACTUAL biblical context.
You got it. Thank you.
Amen!
There is no biblical context for this movie. It's based on the fictional novel of a Christian author who was inspired by the story of Hosea. It was co-written and directed by a seasoned Hollywood director. It's not even meant to be a Christian movie in the first place. It's a Universal release. Not Pure Flix, Affirm or other faith-based branches. It's the Christian community that has falsely slapped the Christian label onto it, then complained when it didn't measure up.
This is why I don't watch the Chosen 😭😭😭
Great summation!
The words that came to my mind after listening to you were “ Preach it girl!” Especially at the end when you asked if the sex scenes will bring us closer to Jesus. I have not even heard of the movie until a few days ago and I will not watch it. Thanks for standing up for the true gospel!
I actually did cry over the love Jesus has for me through this powerful imagery… I fell more in love with God through this story and saw my husband in a new light as I saw so many similarities in his patience with me. I think this is a fair critique but not the whole story. I think there is an anti-redeeming love movement with the conservative Christians. But as a conservative Christian, I simply cannot agree with the hyper legalistic perspective. I can 100% get behind someone not seeing it out of personal conviction. But as a women’s ministry leader I would encourage seeing this movie. I think this movie sheds light on trafficking, abuse, redemption, marriage, patience, selflessness, faith, obedience to God, and so much more. And when I read Hosea I will see the story with more understanding of the heart of God. Thanks for sharing your opinion on this and allowing me to share mine. May God continue to bless your ministry and your fight for real faith that follows and obeys scripture! I love watching your videos!
I saw the trailer on yt and was totally shocked it was Redeeming Love (I read as a new believer eons ago). I had to skip the ad. I guess some of us are sensitive or have different convictions. I think God can use it since He can use anything to speak to people (maybe people who dont know Him). But I am kinda bummed since I'd like to see it.
I watched this movie without any of the background and all I could think of was God's unrelenting love for us. I really cried cause it's a touching movie.
I agree with your assessment. I feel that Christians at times have too much shame associated with sex and in this movie, when it’s depicted with love, it can be a beautiful representation & educational opportunity. If Christian’s avert their eyes constantly, won’t it be more shocking when they finally do marry and attempt sexual intimacy. I would rather a person view a proper visual depiction of love than get caught up in all the ‘rules’ and shame. People deserve to know what love when it’s right can look like. Like many have previously said, the sex scenes are so mild and not the focal point to the story. Her life journey is the story…if you can’t see the forest for the trees, that’s a problem.
I did watch the movie. I will say it was extremely sensual. I was shocked. I was looking around and concerned that there may be young people being exposed. I was so uncomfortable. I had been healed by God of sexual brokeness that I was born into. And to see this it felt like viewing pornography. I closed my eyes during that scene. Sex as God created for marriage is personal and beautiful. Not to be shared.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I have within my past a struggle with pornography, and thanks to Jesus I am now over a year sober. I heard about the scenes in this movie, and my wife and I decided not to pursue seeing it.
I had hoped that our choice wasn't just an emotional reaction based on the hearsay of oversensitive and legalistic people who find something wrong with everything, who see a demon under every bush. I didn't think it was, but the thought occurred to me. So thank you for sharing your story and putting that thought to rest for me.
And, no condemnation from me for your going to see the movie. My given name means "God Is My Gracious And Strong Judge", and therefore, if He is my Judge, He is also your gracious and strong Judge. I believe you have prayed about it, and He has forgiven you, so I cannot morally criticize you even if I wanted to. God bless you!
I saw the movie too! Wish I didn’t! I had no clue it would be so graphic. I thought it was a biblical movie until discussing with my friend recently that the book is based on biblical principle not the movie... we thank God for this video that can potentially stop someone before watching the movie. I literally wouldn’t advise anyone to watch it especially since the book is available. Learn the same lesson in the book.
@@djpeeler2912 what do you consider legalistic? Do you buy into the false idea that faith does not need to be accompanied by righteousness? Well, the very same Apostle Paul that so many like to misquote, misrepresent, and twist, said these words:
Ephesians 5:3-7
3 But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed.
4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving.
5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person (that is, an idolater), has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience.
7 Therefore do not be partakers with them.
What part of that is not clear? Notice, he is not at all agreeing with the idea that a person can sin all they want, and they are saved. NO immoral, impure person will INHERIT THE KINGDOM OF CHRIST AND GOD. Let that soak in. He even knew that people would come with empty words and try to convince you that being holy and righteous is somehow "LEGALISTIC", and therefore to be shunned. No bigger deception has been perpetrated by the Devil within the Church, for with this lie, he deceives most of those who think they are truly saved.
What do I consider legalism?
I believe legalism is, similar to the Pharisees of Jesus's Day, an emotionally fueled religious practice that elevates doctrine and minimizes God's mercy, when there should be a balance between both Doctrine and Mercy. While you need solid doctrine in True Biblical Christianity, you also need a proper understanding that Mercy rejoices against Judgement.
When you focus only on the rules of Christianity, even if you teach that Jesus is the only Way of salvation, you teach people that Jesus gives them salvation, and then they have to spend the rest of their lives trying to get God's approval as His Servant Children. In otherwords, Christ's Death, Burial, and Resurrection was sufficient only for salvation, and not for life after salvation. While this might not be overtly taught, this is the belief that is then manifested in the atmosphere of the church.
What is needed in the church is a proper understanding of just who we are once we repent and believe on Jesus Christ for salvation. God says we are a new creation.... Old things have passed away, and all things are becoming new. He bestowed His love upon us to the point of calling us sons of God. When we sin, it is no longer us who sins, but the sin nature which in this physical body still fights against our new identity in Christ. And when we sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous. This is not to be a license to sin, but a safeguard for our spiritual health, to invite us to repentance.
Legalism and all the rules says, "Jesus saves you from your sins, but you still have to DO DO DO in order to gain God's approval and rewards."
True, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led Christianity teaches the believer that he must learn to BE.... BE. Align yourself and the way you view yourself with the new identity God has given you, trust Him, and your life will show the fruit.
Legalism says, "We gotta DO more for God this year than we did last year."
True, Biblical, Holy Spirit-led Christianity says, "Trust in the Lord, and whatever you say or do, do it for the glory of God. There is no quota and there is no limit to serving Abba."
There are a few tenets of Legalism. One tenet is that we must establish an atmosphere of faithfulness to a culture that men build around Biblical rules. Many times, preferences of the leadership, even if based on Biblical truth, get elevated to the level of Bible doctrine. This can be manifested through the style of clothing that is worn (clergy/choir robes, suits and ties, or my formal preference - American Western style jeans, boots, and shirts), what kind of instruments are used, what kind of worship songs are played, how many weekly services there are and what times of the day they take place....EVEN to what version of the Bible is used. And the list can go on.
In short, preferences can become doctrine in these man-made church cultures when, for example, the Bible doesn't actually prescribe a style of dress to wear to fellowship. Whatever they wore in the days of the first century church, modern humanity largely doesn't wear anymore. It goes without saying that what we wear, should be sexually appropriate. And even if it is not, extend grace to the person. Kindly say something if needed, but don't automatically reject their presence in your company.
Another tenet of legalism is that to remain faithful to the culture we have built, we must not associate with others who are different from us, and the severity of this tenet varies from church to church. There may be limited association, or none at all.
Related to the previous tenet, another tenet is that we must withhold love from others who don't entirely agree with us, or who don't do what we think they should do.
Related yet again, another tenet of Legalism is, those who open up to struggling with addiction or mental health issues must be stigmatized, because stigmatization will cause them to repent. (The Bible says that the goodness of God leads us to repentance). But even after they repent, they must carry the scar of their sin. Their egregious involvement in forbidden sexual sin, for example, will forever be part of our definition of them in our minds, and such a person is never qualified to minister in any way again.
You see how this is in effect setting up ourselves as judges over other believers? We are not given the authority to assign an identity, a calling, or a measure of value to our brothers and sisters in Christ, especially based upon whether they do what we think they should.
You will say, we are called to judge fruit. Yes, we are called to Discern fruit, AND we are called to provoke (strongly encourage) one another to love and to good works. We are not called to assign value based upon level of performance, or to establish quotas of works. We ARE called to learn what Godly love for the brethren looks like. We are called to be swift to hear and slow to speak.
If you think I am saying, don't preach against sin, I am not saying that. I am saying, understand how to preach with meekness and Godly love against sin.
What I have said, has some application in how we as believers interact with non-believers, but primarily confronts how we as believers interact with each other. When you take a deep look, you find that we really are not kind to each other in the ways we should be. And we actually hinder each other.
You are exaggerating🙄 I didn’t even see her breast
I heard about this movie on the radio. When it said “May be inappropriate for children under 13” I was puzzled because if it’s a Christian movie why on earth would it be inappropriate? When Hollywood interferes in a Christian story it’s always a bad idea.
The author wanted the movie this way she had influence on the movie - she helped with screenplay
It's not a Christian movie. It's a movie with biblical principles and a nonfictional allegory. Just as Chronicles of Narnia is not a Christian movie... but the allegory is beautifully depicted. Allegories are not immoral, Jesus himself used parables (allegorical storytelling) to explain the Gospel.
@@katew1030 Except that Hosea is not a fictionalized allegory; it's biblical history and prophetic text.
Not a response to this particular movie as I have not yet seen it though I have read the book. But as a response to it or any other Christian material being age censored. This is quite possible. My and my friend's kids both attended the same private Christian school and we were informed that they were going to be showing the Passion of The Christ on a particular day at the elementary level. Our kids were maybe in grade 3 or 4 at the time. We both decided that due to the graphically violent nature of the movie and the intense scenes depicted that we would not allow our children to view it so kept them home that day. An example of when an excellent Christian movie can still not be appropriate for a certain age group.
The movie deals with mature themes such as abuse and sexual trafficking/exploitation.
100% agree with you! Another question it brings to my mind is “Will watching a steamy scene draw you closer to your spouse, or will it just make you see their imperfections all the more?” When you’re married you know that person inside and out, and let’s be honest times of intimacy are not always perfect. So will watching a perfect moment really bring you closer as a couple? Love your comments! Thank you so much for speaking out on this! I actually read the book as a young teen and it was harmful to me in my walk with Christ, so I will never read it (or any of the authors other books) again, nor will I watch a movie about it. It’s not helpful in anyway to the Christian walk.
The book may have been graphic... the movie is not. The "steamy" sex scenes are brief, fully clothed not titillating.
As a Christian, husband and father I highly recommend this movie to married couples. My wife does as well.
@@fredmiller6166 why is there need for steamy scenes in a movie ?
I knew someone who came to repentance, and for them this book was pivotal. The themes really hit home for them. I think they were already at place they felt irredeemable, and this book helped them wonder if maybe they could be loved.
@@phun1901 ☝?
How many people repented of fornication after watching Leo De Capreo, and the actress have a sex scene in back of a car in the movie Titanic .
The movie Redemption is about 'self redemption', not Gods idea of 'redemption'.
If a movie is going to be made about 'Redemption', why not make a movie on how Jeffery Dahlmar received Christ as Lord and Savior while in prision .
Or a movie of about the survivors of the Titanic who came to Christ, because of the Scottish pastor who was also on board the Titanic , while himself in the water drowning and freezing to death, implored others in the water to accept Christ as Lord and Savior ?
@@berenlevia8486 I just have to say that your onslaught of replies to peoples' comments is distracting, especially in light of the fact that you keep referring to a book entitled "Redemption". This video and comments are concerning a book entitled "Redeeming Love". Have you even read this book?
Just watched the movie. I love you sister but I totally disagree. It was a movie of love and redemption. Hosea is a book of salvation and redemption. Hosea means salvation. It was an AWESOME story!!!!!
I disagree too . It was awesome story
Regardless, I do think that Christian movies should do the same thing as the Bible does with sex. At the most, one sentence of writing. Keep it short and keep it hidden. I’d rather have a scene of them kissing and going into the bedroom and fading out than anything more… descriptive.
I just watched it and it was amazing. It’s weird to me that Christian adults are so bothered .
It has almost nothing to do with Hosea. The point of Hosea is that she pursues other lovers in spite of their marriage, in the way Israel pursues other gods despite their covenant with God. In the movie they're not even married until the end and then it's happily ever after. Read Hosea 1-3, it's not very subtle, it's very clear what it's about.
I have read the book, but I have been very hesitant to watch this movie. You have just confirmed what I was feeling in my heart and spirit. Thank you!!
I actually love the book and I love most of what Francine writes but I don't think this movie is truly bent on the gospel message and bringing that to people(based on the trailers I watched I haven't seen the movie).
I read the book years ago. I went and saw the movie last night to make my own judgment. Book is definitely better. The movie lacks the internal dialogue. As far as the sex scenes go I’ve definitely seen way more in secular films. I don’t watch those movies like them anymore. If one struggles with any kind of porn or list issue they definitely should not see it. If they had done the scenes without the sound effects it would have been ok.
I saw the movie and after I came down from the high of such a good entertainment movie, I had the same thought in my mind and heart. This doesn’t portray our sinfulness and our running back to our sin as we always do. This portrayed an innocent person trapped in her circumstances and then trying to do the “noble thing”. Not one of us runs from God because we feel He is better off without us. We do it to satisfy our own desires and idols.
Thank you for saying it much better than I could.
Jackie, I think you said it spot on! We run from God because we want what we want. God’s patience with my idolatrous heart is unfathomable to me.
I read the book when I was a broken, bitter woman, afraid to be loved and feeling completely unworthy of redemption. Picking up the Bible was not an option for me. But I read the book and was so amazed that this type of redeeming love is on offer to me, by God the father. So yeah... if you're reading the book, to learn about the Word of God, maybe dont do that. But I love Francine Rivers and I appreciate her ministry.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Unfortunately it was the religious people that criticised the good work of Jesus. Unfortunately nothing has changed today Christians will be the first for criticising another Christian breaking religious boundaries for Christ
@@sharonjohns1686 Set no evil thing before your eyes. Watching people having sex on a movie screen is just that. A wicked thing to temp you to lust. Read the Bible. We are in the world but not of the world. A peculiar people.
@@gayebryant4604 this woman is talking specifically of the book, not the movie. I haven't seen the movie, but I have read the book, and from what I've heard about the movie, there's a lot more going on sexually in the movie than there is in the book. The book definitely isn't for everyone, but I know ot has been incredibly heart changing for many.❤
Somewhere out there are those complaining about this film while actively watching actual degeneracy elsewhere in private. Don't complain and whine if you're willing to watch garbage elsewhere, but vehemently denounce this movie. Seriously don't, you know who you are hypocrite. I suggest we don't reject the possibility that someone could be met by Christ as a result of this film even if a bunch of self righteous Christians scoff at it online because it displeases their clean and pristine worldview. Christ certainly meets us all in the mud, and it's possible he could be using this film for that purpose whether it suits your fragility or not. This is not another typical corny movie that oversimplifies the struggles of the human condition in relations to sin and redemption, and because of that I would highly suggest it to people including nonchristians, unless the individual is overwhelmingly sensitive to some skin. Otherwise stay away from it, and never watch television ever again. Great movie! I've watched it twice already with family and friends, and will be purchasing a physical copy when it becomes available.
Amen!!
Thank you so much for sharing this observation. This movie was recommended to me by a fellow woman Christian. I’m a 61 year old newly saved Christian coming out of secular, eastern mysticism and new age world view!!! I have been raised on a steady diet of the Hollywood world view which so perfectly reflects the spirit of the age!!! Most of what they put out, especially when it comes to romance is never going to reflect a proper relationship with love, sex and the proper roles of men and women in a Christian world view. What Hollywood does consistently is to elevate vanity using romanticism. Just another Cinderella story that actually diminishes women!!! Misusing the Bible to promote this drivel is like putting lipstick on a pig!!! I am so thankful for your sharing your wisdom and discernment!!! I pray that all my sisters in Jesus Christ wake up and walk away from the deceiver and please read your Bible!!! The truth will set you free!!!
Thank you Marina. May you continue to grow in grace & wisdom.
Thank you, Alisa, for speaking out on this. I totally agree with your assessment on the "steamy scenes." Completely inappropriate. I also think this movie just highlights a problem with many Christian women: we are too driven by emotion and allow it to cloud our judgment. We have to be intentional about our consumption of entertainment (movies, music, etc.) and use discernment, not just rely on the "chick flick" appeal. I'll definitely pass on this one.
Is this a problem with just women? lol - I can see a LOT of Christian men wanting to watch this movie ;) They use the same excuses to watch Game of Thrones. Men are just as prone to clouded judgement when it appeals their flesh.
@@abeautifulmoment2714 The statement doesn't EXCLUDE men. LOL It just highlights women.
@@Caderic the statement says "Christian women" -thereby excluding men.
@@abeautifulmoment2714 That is not how the english language works. Had Patti said "...ONLY christian women..", then the statement would exclude men. But she did not, so it did not!
@@Caderic I can see now why men feel they are able to use women's bathrooms these days lol🤣
Someone loaned me the book a long time ago. I started to read it and had to give it back because it was just too “romantic” for me. As a single woman, this brought nothing but longing and desire in my mind and heart. I will not watch s3x scenes in movies (my family thinks I am nuts when I leave the room). I will not go see this movie. Blessings Alisa, thanks for being straight with us. Open rebuke is truly better than hidden love.
Amen, sister!! Stick to your guns
I hate sex scenes in general.
It can be alluded to and then have a cutaway to continue the story.
If I notice a movie has a sex scene I just skip through it.
I don’t want to watch other people in that way and it’s *extremely* awkward!
I don’t think you’re nuts at all. You also have every right to refuse things and maybe other people will take note of that and skip through next time, at least for your sake.
That's why I was pleasantly surprised at the movie LaLa Land--no sex scenes between this couple! Not even hinted at! If I remember right, they were even ambiguous on whether the couple was living together. Very refreshing!
You’re not nuts, you are using wisdom.
What's wrong with longing and desires? Isn't that how we're wired?
I appreciate your cautious approach to this material. It is difficult material, and as you yourself have said even the Bible can be graphic while helping us see the true nature of our sin. I have both refused to see the movie (at the advice of Alisa Childers) and later agreed to see the movie. I was invited by a Godly woman that had read the book. At the moment it seemed more important to accept her invitation with grace than to shame her about wanting to see the movie. I was actually impressed with how carefully they handled what is naturally a graphic and difficult subject matter. They did show (without nudity) the beauty of the marriage act, and of course, it was intended to be beautiful and desirable. Considering this is a picture of our union with God would we want it to be gross and undesirable to watch? They also showed the ugliness of sexuality outside of the safety and purity of marriage, although these scenes were never shown, only implied.
What I didn't expect was how my mind constantly made the connection of my filthy sin vs God's perfect love for me and what the world offers me vs what God wants to give me. While the movie uses sexual themes (as does Hosea) my mind was keenly aware of the deeper spiritual message throughout the movie. Even in the scenes between the husband and wife, my mind reached closer to understanding the beauty, perfection, and satisfaction of being God's beloved. His love is so far beyond what any metaphor can possibly convey, but this IS the metaphor God chooses to use over and over when helping us understand our relationship with him.
I think we should be careful to avoid sin, and also be careful to not condemn a metaphorical theme that God himself uses over and over to reach our deepest level of understanding. Nothing will defile you faster than sex and nothing (in proper context) will unite two souls like the sexual union. Perhaps, artistically speaking, something could have been lost if the screen cut to black instead of showing the beauty of the marital union. I think that anyone that struggles with pornography or sexual sins should guard their hearts. But, I would be very careful assigning sinful motives to those that have written/produced this. I certainly came out of the theatre with a far greater understanding of my sin and God's intimate love for me. May we all be patient and kind in our treatment of one another in this and every disagreement.
I love this response and review of the movie. I couldn’t have put it better myself. I’ve seen a lot of people in the comments almost overexaggerate the nudity aspect of the movie. You don’t see any Jenna Tallia or private parts that you shouldn’t be seen. Other than when the married couple finally consummate, they don’t show any of the sexual scenes. I felt the same things you did the very first time I watched it. And I was so blown away by the story that I actually went to see it again in theaters and that time I took my teenage nieces with their parents consent. Both of my nieces were blown away by it and felt the same things I did and as you mentioned about our sins and how great God is but on top of that it also showed my nieces what a true man of God looks like and seek that out on a partner.
I haven’t seen anyone mention how Michael didn’t engage in sex with Angel even after they were married until he could see the changes God had made in her. No one talks about how even though she returned to her old ways, the second time she did it. She asked God‘s forgiveness and realizes this isn’t where she needs to be in allowed God to redeem her and get her out of that situation. Then she goes to Work at a school that helps other women like her. Try to redeem themselves through God as well. Those are really good parts in the movie and things that as Christians we need to do and support. We need to support people who are trying to get out of a sinful life.
I went to see this movie based on a recommendation from a sister in Christ’s mom. My friend invited me to go, and I said no initially until her mom went, and said how wonderful it was. It was uncomfortable at best. I was looking away throughout the movie and even left the theater at one point. It was what I would consider soft porn showing partial nudity and saturated with sensual scenes. I could not recommend this to anyone. My mistake for not researching better!
One of the most disturbing trends in my life has been seeing some grown women and mothers falling for that kind of smut. They have no shame about it either.
Thank God for the holy women in my life!
God bless you for your heart! I would've walked out too. I appreciate you taking a stand for Jesus. You will be SO blessed!
So it really did have sex scenes? I thought, or at least I hoped, that it was just RUclipsrs overreacting, but that's messed up.
That's too bad that in a "Christian" movie that's going on
I’m loving these comments. It’s good for me to see that other people look away, too. I used to think I needed to grow up because those scenes bother me, especially if watching with other people. I shouldn’t have given myself such a hard time about it!
I am a satanic ritual abuse survivor and for me the movie was such a reflection of my life. I do think the story in general is quite beautiful. It does show a picture of God's love for us, especially those of us that feel particularly neglected and abused. However, I would not necessarily call this a Christian film. I do not think the sex scenes were necessary and I was very triggered by them. There are a lot of people who will see themselves in this story and it can be helpful.
I agree the most with your last statement honestly. There is a woman I know who read the book and had a lot to say but it honestly helped her a lot in dealing with her past trauma. I think this film can be pruned but it has a lot to offer in some ways
Thanks for your input, I appreciate it.
I agree that many women will for sure relate to the movie because I know someone personally who has been through this and always goes back to that lifestyle 💔
I am sorry you were triggered by the movie. God's love for us is amazing. And His compassion and forgiveness for us immense when we are truly sorry and repent. I hope you are inspired to walk with Jesus for the rest of your life and your triggers go away. I am going to read the Bible and skip the movie. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences. God bless you. Amen.
Is satanic ritual abuse something that happens regularly, or would you say your case is rare?
I'm sorry to be intrusive, but I've actually never heard someone admit to being a survivor, I've only heard stories that seem like tall tales about things that may happen.
In fact, in modern culture, most people are being led to believe that Satanism is just a joke, that people say "H*** Satan" just to make Christians mad and that nobody is seriously a Satanist.
I would greatly appreciate for you to shed some light on the topic, to the point that you are comfortable with.
Thank you, Alisa! I read the book as a teenager, at the recommendation of my mom…..oddly. In retrospect, the content was definitely something I was not ready for. I, too, love the book of Hosea. I do not feel the book on which this movie is based was an accurate representation of the story of Hosea and I also will not be seeing the movie. I was single until I was 34 and sexually explicit scenes in movies were something that always sent me down a road of temptation. As a result, I rigorously and actively avoided them. Now, as a married woman, my affection and attraction are for my husband alone and I still do not watch explicit scenes, as a way of honoring him. You asked the perfect question: Will watching these scenes lead us to fall on our knees before our Lord and Savior?
Alisa, thank you for speaking Truth!!! I loved the book Redeeming Love and I’m so glad I “happened” to run across your review of the movie!!! I am married to a sex addict who is on a path of his own redemptive story! This is definitely not a movie either one of us needs to see! Guard your eyes, folks! Do not be deceived by the enemy that viewing this kind of material, under the guise of a Christian movie about the book of Hosea, is ok or will not affect you! I keep reading comments of those who have seen it that it is “soft porn.” This is NOT OK. Viewing porn (soft or otherwise) releases endorphins and is more addictive than cocaine! According to neurological studies, it even affects the pathways in your brain!!! Most of all, as followers of Jesus, we are called to be set apart and respect the sanctity of marriage and the gift of sex as God intended it. We have become desensitized to what is right and what is holy and acceptable because everyday all we see are sexual images…because sex sells. I stand with you @Alisa Childers! Let’s boycott the movie and show Hollywood that we won’t compromise our standards, just because of their marketing ploys!
"We have become desensitized to what is right and what is holy and acceptable." You're absolutely right. Desensitization can be the only explanation for why some people seem to think there are no sex scenes, and why others aren't bothered by the innuendos. 😞
@Karen Byers I am happy to hear about your husband's direction toward recovery. This video has been popping back into my notifications recently because of a couple comments I made on other threads under this video, and I happened to see this. I had a struggle with porn, and have been on my own journey, now over a year sober. And I recently began a small group for other men who are struggling, starting out with a DVD series called Conquer Series. I have a lot of compassion for Christians who are struggling and want to be delivered, because of where I ended up thrive the choices I made. I thank God He brought me the help I needed, and I don't ever want to fall back into that stuff again.
The enemy always tries to pervert something good that God has created for a holy purpose. Thank you for this review I don’t plan to see this movie either. I shouldn’t have to cringe or repent because of something I willing viewed with my eyes.
How close minded of you 😂😂😂😂 you are literally brainwashed
No he's not. That movie is wrong, no one needs to see it. We instead need to read the bible and get to know the true biblical God, once we all do that more we'll grow closer and have a deep relationship with Jesus and walk in the right path along side of Jesus. Remember on judgement day what will matter is if you were born again by His Holy Spirit and had a relationship with Jesus. God is being merciful to us all and is giving us all time to repent and get right with Him ( Hebrews 9:27). Don't let the devil mislead you from God because If you don't have Jesus then you will be brainwashed by the devil and hpthr devil will lead you to hell ( 2 Corinthians4:4). Come to Jesus, only He can save you from sin and from hell, only He can lead you to heaven for He's the only way to Heaven, He's the only true way ( John 14:6, Romans 6:23). Lastly remember, Heaven and Hell are both eternal and your soul will be in either place depending your choice. Don't choose hell over God, choose God over hell.
I agree with you. I think Hollywood is all about deception even with a Christian label does not mean it is!
@@axelwidman8861 so you are
1) This is not a review. It's cancel culture, and a judgement on a piece of art she has not consumed.
2) her interpretation of Hosea is skewed. It's not about us repenting, it's about God loving us into repentance no matter what..
.
There is no excuse for pornography. Christians do not be deceived by the world.
@@nateg.6187 many here disagree with you.
Sounds like the problem is your definition of pornography, and how desensitized you have evidently become.
@@nateg.6187 pornography is from Satan so I won’t even entertain the foolish lie that it helps anyone. Ever.
If you had even the slightest idea about false religions and sexual rituals and the basis for it you would not have such a cavalier attitude. Please educate yourself.
Hopefully your friends know Christians who can correct them and get them back on the right track.
As for the rest of your diatribe, your guesswork is way off. I love the Lord and abide in Christ.
Swing and a miss.
I was a fake Christian wannabe in a user friendly church for years, surrounded by worldly people who think and act just like the world.
Jesus saved me out of it. I felt new life enter me when Holy Spirit came into me and I have not been the same since. I immediately had spiritual sensitivity that I was missing before. I knew I had not been “saved” before. I Have a heart for the lost in the church, and sadly that is a whole lot of people.
My ministry is to the worldly in the church so I know of what I speak, friend. I spend a considerable amount of time discipling others and helping them grow deeper in Christ.
(Basically doing the opposite of you, since you evidently wink and nod at nonsense like
Porn to improve a marriage). Please grow up so God can use you! I say that with sincerity.
Peace to you.
I read Redeeming Love as a baby Christian over 15 years ago (after having read Hosea), and though I was not altogether innocent of my deeds, it ministered so much to my wounded spirit. It helped me overcome the belief that no one could love and accept me because of my past. That said, I am somewhat bothered by the fact that they chose to include sex scenes in the movie.
I read redeeming love as a young and immature Christian as well and it did minister to me at the time and even though I was excited about the movie coming out, I watched the trailer and immediately felt red flags. I thought to myself that this was basically a Christian soft porn movie disguised as a Holy love story between God and His people but it's totally misinterpreting the book of Hosea. I will not watch or recommend the movie for the very same reasons that Alisa Childers mentions here.
If God can speak through a donkey, He can speak through this movie too!
@@By-fh5vz PREACH!!!!
I feel EXACTLY the same way!!! Thank you for sharing your story! I was encouraged as well by it. It helped dismantle my shame and self condemnation on around my God-given female sexuality. Thank you!
@@tamelamecum7511
Sometimes, people preach to their own issues and don't understand that other people's minds work differently than theirs. I thought the movie was fantastic: it spoke to me in the same way that the book did 20 years ago.
Spot on!!! Thank you, Alisa! I agree completely. There is no reason a Christian can justify filling our mind with sexual thoughts other than those with the spouse God has given us. And most important, as you so elequently stated, is that "redeeming love", redemption from sin, is ONLY through the sacrifice of our LORD Jesus on the cross that gives us eternal life in Him.
totally agree!
You said everything I wanted to! I didn't know this was a movie until yesterday when it was described as Christian porn. It made me sick to my stomach to hear we've fallen so far. I refused to read the book because of the trafficking subject matter. I read to escape the horrors of life. Thank you Alisa!
I feel the same way. I saw it called "Christian porn" and I wanted to vomit. I only looked into on this channel because I trust her and her biblical approach.I am so angry this would be be call Christian. It twisted my mind and kept me up thinking about it. Now I know and I would never see this movie or read a book about the horrors of sex trafficking. I read to no think of this kind of thing like you. God bless.
so good!! I love how gently you deliver your thoughts, without forsaking truth.
I read the book redeeming love twice. Yes I am a man and I was encouraged by three different individuals in the same month to read redeeming love so a copy was lent to me and I read the book in about nine days. I absolutely loved it and eventually I gave eight copies away to women that I knew. The author Francine Rivers before she was saved was a romance novel writer. She quit writing romance novels. After she got saved one day while reading the book of Hosea she got the inspiration for the idea to write redeeming love which is not meant to be a direct retelling of the biblical account. As for the movie I wish it were a little bit longer and there was more character development between Michael Hosea and Angel but other than that my wife and I saw it at the theater and a week ago my wife purchased it from Walmart and we watched it a second time. I think it is a fantastic wonderful movie of love and forgiveness mercy and Grace and it sheds light on the reality of human trafficking. Angel eventually opens up a place for women to find help who are coming out of prostitution and sex trafficking the name of the place is called House of Magdalene named after Mary Magdalene who was a prostitute Jesus cast the demons out of. I believe it is a very powerful movie and it will reach many people. I would encourage people not to violate their conscience. Do not watch this film if you think it will cause you to sin. I did not have a problem with the movie at all
Totally agree
Thanks for your review! Interesting comment about Mary Magdalene being a prostitute, I haven't searched for myself yet, but plan to, but someone(Melissa Doughtery, RUclips) stated, nowhere in scripture does it state that Mary Magdalene was a prostitute. It's in one of her 20 things I wish I knew videos. 😁
I am 3 years out of an abusive marriage, but he never hit me. Just found out my daughter age 27 was molested by my neighbor when she was 4. Everyone wants to blame me/saying I'm in victim mode. My mom died at age 9. This movie was EPIC for me and I'm a huge believer.
Totally agree, I enjoyed the movie, and thought it was beautiful.
I think your take on this is a bit more realistic regarding human trafficking than on comparing it to the book of Hosea.
This is so good, Alisa! I have decided not to watch the movie because of the sex scenes, but what you said about this being a social gospel message makes everything so clear! Thank you for that!
Sister, this is a fantastic post. It makes my heart happy to see your watchfulness here over and against the social gospel. It makes my heart even happier to see you point people to the text in order to push these people to see what the book is actually about. Keep up the good work, and may the Lord bless and keep you!
@Caitlyn Carvalho seems a bit of an irrelevant question given my response to her video. The question seems like it is lacking sense because I am not aware of what you are responding to. Sorry I can’t answer your question.
@Caitlyn Carvalho well then to answer your question; I would say that he point in the video is that the biblical story is concerned with the prostitution and unfaithfulness of Gomer that is not akin to something like sex slavery. Therefore, no. This would not mean that we should care about and look to free women in these positions. But it does mean however, that the story line in the movie is woefully if center when set beside the biblical meta-narrative.
@Caitlyn Carvalho we are agreeing.
I very much agree. "Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in your ways." Psalm 119:37
Just because it's loosely based on a biblical story doesn't mean it's a wholesome, worthwhile, or God honoring thing to consume.
I would not recommend the book either. I have read many of FR's books as a teen and loved them at the time. Now, as a matured married woman and mom, I have learned they are not appropriate or beneficial. Grateful for the Lord's patience with me and faithfulness in making me more like Him.
I loved the book, but I also went into reading it with a knowing of it wasn’t going to exactly be like the book of Hosea, since it’s Christian fiction. However, I did go see the movie and sadly regretted it. Not only did the movie shy away from the main message being Gods redeeming love, but the sexual scenes in it were far too graphic. They definitely could’ve implied it, but not shown it. To be honest though I shouldn’t of been surprised considering it was Hollywood that made it, so it was going to be a secularized version anyways. However, I loved the book as someone who dealt with sexual sin in my past, I related to what Angel was feeling and it made me want to read the Bible more and know God more. So I’m basically defending the book, but the movie was not good.
Yes. This is how I feel. I was excited to see the movie but once I saw the trailer I just had an check in my spirit and felt I would regret watching it. Sexual graphic content is not necessary and I felt holly wood would ruin the message. It appears that they did. Thankyou for your review.
Yes I really loved the book. It is honestly great Christian fiction. And it tells of God's redemptive love. I didn't see the movie only the trailers. And based on those I kinda knew they were gonna make it palatable for mainstream audiences but I was hoping they would stay true to the storyline. Sad to hear.
Sarah I agree with you I defend the book but not the movie. The movie also is giving me a bitter taste in my mouth about the book. But i honestly just might read it again
@@MistyEry I read the book too and was excited, but I also got that same check! The Lord watches over us. 😊
I have not seen the movie but I too loved the book for the same reasons, and had the same reaction to spend time in the Lords presence. I am so sad to hear the movie is so graphic. I was looking forward to it.
Yet another protection offered by studying The Word. Studied Hosea with Community Bible Study and Alisa is spot on! Movies and plays are great ways to amplify Biblical truth but they should not be your primary source obviously. Study the Word with the guidance of The Spirit in the company of believers! Thanks for your good work, Alisa!
I’ve seen the movie…twice. From my perspective it’s not about the story of Hosea. It spoke to Me of Jesus and His bride. It doesn’t matter how far I’ve fallen He will rescue me and love me in spite of my past. He shows up in the middle of my darkest night and leads me out.
Have we forgotten that it was the prostitutes, tax collectors and such that Jesus fellowshipped with? And the religious of His day were critical of Him. Can we please stop criticizing/judging and start loving? This movie may not be for everyone but the message is beautiful and powerful.
Sean Astin did a movie called "Amazing Love" which handles the story of Hosea fairly well. Obviously it's a totally different movie plot, with Astin portraying a youth pastor trying to get through to a group of teens, but it does tell the story, with some embellishment for story telling. You can find it here on YT, if you're interested.
I have seen the movie and I highly recommend it. They never went into graphic detail, and it's appropriate for all ages. It isn't Biblically accurate, but they address that in the film. It is a retelling of the story of Hosea, and a very good one indeed.
I like that movie, too.
This is an excellent movie!
Yes, I liked that movie a lot! Made me tear up a little. :)
Agree 😊
INCREDIBLE! So grateful for women like you that hold true to the Word of God.
100% agree with all of this. Another thing to consider after listening to this; if we aren’t OK seeing the scenes in a “Christian” movie, do we permit ourselves to watch these things as a part of secular movies or TV shows? Do we only have this standard when it comes to Christian movies?
I went to the movie trusting Francine Rivers. I read her early books, and appreciated them (including Redeeming Love); but, I have not read any of her current writings, within the past 10 years. I was shocked. Shocked by the PG13 rating, shocked by the soft porn that I witnessed, and shocked that Francine Rivers directed it. I am not recommending that others see it. I should have done my homework before going to see the movie, rather than simply trusting the word "Christian" in the advertising, or simply trusting a name associated with it. Thank you for this review. Spot on.
Francine Rivers didn't direct it. However she supposedly was a writer of the screenplay. Not sure how much power she held over what went on screen, but I hope that the end product is not what she wanted. Her book is very different than the movie.
@@danieltakawi9919 Thank you for that correction! She did co-write the screenplay.
@@danieltakawi9919 According to her blog posts, she was very proud of how this movie came out, after having seen the whole thing put together. She knew what was involved, what the actors had to do and go through with these scenes; she watched the end product and gave a thumb's up to how it all came together. I'm disappointed that she didn't have any misgivings as to how the sex scenes were handled. Too many Christians struggle with soft porn and too many Christians go into marriages already having given themselves to other people. The subject of sex should never be taken lightly or dismissed or assumed that people will know enough to research a movie or book before watching or reading it. I'm shocked that so many people blindly go into these forms of entertainment. We cannot take unsee what we watch. There are scenes from a horror movie I saw as a teenager that I STILL wrestle against at times, and I'm in my mid-forties.
@@lauriegermaine6506 WOW!!! I almost didn't finish reading after the "gave a thumbs up" part. I'm a bit disappointed that she was "proud" of this movie. I heard it was already streaming on Peacock and was going to see it. Then I saw one of the trailers for the movie and thought, "This doesn't seem like it has anything to do with the book of Hosea." After listening to this video and reading these comments, I'm glad I didn't watch the movie.
How on earth could you be shocked in anyway by the movie after reading the book?
I'm a man who struggled for years with lust and an addiction to pornography. I will not be seeing this movie. You nailed it when you described how beautiful sex can be when it is in the confines of a faithful marriage, which is something I don't have, partly due to my issues and partly due to my ex's unfaithfulness. Thank you for being a voice of reason and Godliness
You are not alone in this situation. Since my wife left I have come to terms with a life without this particular blessing. I was addicted to porn, at least I was periodically, but now I find it possible to live in complete celibacy. Still, I know exactly what will stir the lust again - better to avoid all such things (it's actually doable). Hope you can take encouragement from this, Kenneth.
I’ve never read her books nor have I seen this movie. A friend told me, “It’s a Christian movie about the story of Hosea,” so I was considering it. Thank you for his heads up- I won’t be going now.
All her books are steamy , really . I think she's pushing the boundaries monumentally..
sort of... they're selling it that way but it's much more... it's really God using a man to show a lost woman His Love.
@@Lazydaisy646 Steamy?! A bit. But not that steamy. I'm too wrapped up in the themes of the story to even remember the "steamy" parts of the story. But not all authors, speak to our spiritual life.
Your loss by not going.
Yes it is not about Hosea it’s about making a secular movie for money.
Thank you!!! I completely agree🙌🏻
Hello Becca
😁😁😁😁
I love your channel
There was one major sex scene throughout the movie with minimal nudity. They were married at this point. One of the main points of the scene was to display her surprise at what sex based in genuine love could look like- something completely foreign to her. It was almost like she was experiencing sex for the first time. For me, the scene served a purpose and it accomplished that purpose without being too risky.
I’d be interested to see you watch the movie and give a review on whether it upheld your preconceived opinions or if it defied them in some ways.
I agree with you. It's a shame to record a movie and say in advance that you haven't read the book, nor will you watch the movie. Another incorrect description movie
I agree with you, it was meant to show a very black & white comparison of what the worlds view of lust & sex to what Gods intention for love, marriage & sex. It’s hardly graphic in nature & yes minimal nudity.
For those in the world that are exposed to lust constantly on the screen I believe this will be a seed of life into how they view love & marriage. Cuz I was just thinking a couple months ago that it’s so sad that on all shows they always depict & give all these “love scenes” for unmarried, lustful & just no excitement or much when for a married couple like marriages are dead & boring.
So this movie was great, totally redeeming love ❤️ I saw it with my girlfriends who had all read the book, I didn’t see it with my husband as he wouldn’t watch it being a romance movie anyways & so don’t know what it would make him feel. I think when we get so caught up about one thing or another then we’re missing so much of the story. We do it with the Bible & that’s how religion is formed. I think those who created it did a great job, those who see it it’s your choice to see or not see if for your own reasons just don’t place your choice or reasons on another person.
@@dariap5416 I did see it, she was completely right about it. You can read the signs without having to view every crappy movie out there.
@@inspiredmegz58 You say that, but there was way more nudity than just that scene, and the people who are depicting it are not actually married. Just because it's not real to you does that mean it's okay to show teens that unmarried people can have sex on a screen in front of them just for entertainment? What exactly is the difference between that and a porn movie? Food for thought.
But the main point and most important thing to consider is that it misrepresents God and the book of Hosea. We are not victims who sin as a result. We are born sinners.
Also keep in mind the couple that portrayed the sexual scene were not even husband and wife. They were acting out this scene in an adulterous way.
Even more reason why it is not God honoring.
I thought the same thing. Actors in sexual scenes. Not good. I heard that in one scene she is having sex with a man and realizes he’s her father…yikes.
@@ladonnapauls8693 yes. I read the book a few times as a teenager and that scene always disturbed me. It is one reason why I don’t think it makes an appropriate movie to slap a Christian label on.
Thank you Alisa, I did go see the movie and I actually bought tickets for our marriage small group as well so we could all go together. I was really excited because this book really spoke to me back when I as a young believer. It helped me accept that I could be redeemed, my sex life with my husband could be redeemed, even after me walking out on him and living adulterously for a year. I definitely related to the female character in the book. Needless to say, when we went and watched the movie with our group, my husband and I were shocked and embarrassed by the sexual content. This was confusing and discouraging to me. I just kept thinking...are these Christian actors?! Thank you for your insight into why this is not a good representation of the book of Hosea and why, in fact, it really isn't something to promote. I appreciate and admire your courage and obedience!
Whenever I read the review from Focus on the Family about the movie, and they said there were 2-2 minute sex scenes, that made up my mind to not go see it. My husband and I fast forward all sex scenes on the DVD’s that we watch, because of the Lord’s Word that says “put no unclean thing before your eyes.” Not that sex in and of itself is unclean, but isn’t watching someone have sex (if only in a movie) unclean? It is so intimate between 2 people that if I watch it, it feels like I have pulled up a chair by the side of the bed, and my eyes weren’t made for that. There are ways sex can be portrayed in a movie without showing it. The bottom line is money, and sex sells, but should we as Christians buy into them manipulating us, just because it uses a story in the Bible. Does the end justify the means?
what a crazy
@Patti Blount Amen!
When, friend, is sex called unclean? This is no more explicit than song of solomon. Culture and society have made sex a taboo subject. Not the Father. Nudity was commonplace in biblical times... but because you've grown up in a culture that calls it "dirty", you'd be even more appalled by this film if it showed full frontal, wouldn't you? Of course. Because you are a product of this culture. Don't let culture define your God... let God define your culture.
@@wandering_heart Do you live in America "Wandering Heart"? If so, you believe culture and society have made it a "taboo subject"? Are you talking about the 1800s? And, if I may ask, where did you get the idea that nudity was common among godly people in biblical times?
@@rdrift1879 welp, I'm trying to respond to you, but RUclips has deemed my entirely clean comment unclean. 🤣😂 I'm trying my best to edit it over and over again to find what they think is wrong with it. I may take it apart into individual paragraphs and post it that way so I can better narrow down the issue. Bear with me :) lol
I agree 100%! This is so lovingly explained ! Wisdom that I hope many women will heed and teach to young girls. Thank you!🙏❤️
Alisa, I've been watching your channel for a while now and I sincerely appreciate the perspective you provide on topics like this. It's so encouraging seeing such an articulate Christian woman proclaim essential truths.
I had not read this book or heard of it until my wife mentioned she was going with some other Christian women at our church to see it. It had mixed reviews from those I spoke of that saw it but it is not one I’m planning to see. I also forwarded this to my wife to watch, thank you as always for your insight, God bless you
You're on point, Alisa ! Agree with you 💯 . Anything that will not benefit my soul or will not bring me closer to the Lord is all inconsequential !
The book of Hosea is incredible! I studied it in depth a few years ago, and it totally cut me to the heart with understanding of the broken heart of God over the sin of His people. I hadn't even heard of the movie, so probably wouldn't have seen it anyway 🙂
Thank you. This was refreshing to hear. I Loved your music as a teen (and now my own tween daughters do too). As an adult, I appreciate the sound biblical insight. Keep doing what you're doing; it's inspiring.
I will be honest, I fell for it. I went and saw the movie because I felt the book did a decent job of bringing the love and forgiveness of Christ into the story, telling all readers that Jesus has never left us; that it is we who abandon Him. So, my mom, sister, and two teen nieces 😳 went to the movie. My sister and her daughters had never read the book. I explained that in the book, Francine wrote it in a way that sex scenes were not super descriptive. She would lead up to it and then it was up to the reader to understand what happened, almost justifying sin to accumulate in our minds and hearts. The Spirit sent me a red flag that I ignored when I gave a disclaimer saying, "Now this is a Hollywood adaptation, so they'll probably use artistic license, blah blah blah..." That was the Spirit stirring my heart, and I ignored it. I basically gave sin permission to be witnessed, seen, heard. And to my teen nieces, new Christians, of all people 😫.
To say we were all uncomfortable is an understatement. I felt so guilty seeing my nieces stare at the ceiling of the theater as the scenes kept going. And if the visuals weren't embarrassing enough, there was the sounds to contend with! It was awful! We should have left. I was hoping it would get better, but the message NEVER came about God's love for us. There was NEVER mention about how we all need Jesus more than anything. It was so disappointing.
I found a balm for myself in the book, because there were certain aspects of Angels life that I connected with, and also that I saw in many friends. I felt protective of her and wanted to defend this story! But it's NOT the story of Hosea. It's not the lesson God breathed into scripture. But I allowed myself to justify it. I am so thankful for your video. I am thankful that it helped me "snap out of it" in defending sin to support our feelings! Progressive Christianity is based so much on feelings, and I have spoken out against it before, but this just proved to me how easy it is to embrace making me feel good as opposed to what the true message from our Lord and Savior truly says.
I can't take back my actions, and I am now held accountable for asking my nieces to witness this sin. I have to face God, and know that I am one of the people Jesus speaks of in Luke 17:2 "It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little ones to win. So watch yourselves." This is me. I am responsible, and it weighs heavy on me.
It is a sobering reminder that the evil one is everywhere and knows how to make even strong Christians stumble. However, I am reminded the cost of Jesus' sacrifice and that I am one he died for too. He is greater than the sin I have committed. And I am fervent in my repentance and prayers of apology of how I supported this sin. So, I ask for people to not see the movie, but also to extend grace to those who were blinded by a "Christian" storyline to be portrayed in a movie. We all fall short. Sometimes, it is so much more obvious. But please help those of us who have stumbled to stand again on The solid Foundation. God bless, and please forgive me.
Beautifully stated. May the Lord bless you for sharing this.
Thank you for your honesty!
@@rdrift1879 Don’t beat yourself up. The Lord sees your brokenness and has forgiven you…He’ll take care of your nieces
Who will cast the first stone at you? We all fall short. Your relationship with the Lord is true and that is what matters. We will be judge by how much we have loved, really loved, not by how much we have sin. So continue to delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart. Praying that you find peace. Thank you for sharing your story. I was so looking forward to seeing the movie for I love the book, it made me believe that I was allowed to want someone who love me the way God wanted me to be loved. Last year we celebrated our 17 years anniversary. God gave me a wonderful husband and blessed me even more so with 3 children. God is faithful to those who hold on to his words, and even with those who forget Him. I am curious about the movie so I may watch it still, but I will just close my eyes and ears when nude scene will come on, I usually do it for most movies anyways so. Unfortunately the author was not able to save it from it, sex sells better in our society. But hopefully people will remember more things than just the sex scene. Let’s pray about that too. Sex surround us daily. Prepare our kids to think about it in regard to the design God as in plan for us is what matters. Let’s do our best to teach them what loving words and gestures are, and hope they will wait to be united with their spouse in holy matrimony to consume their love the way God intend. But if they fall short, like I have, yet He will come meet them where they are and show them the way back to Him like He did for me. And I am bless beyond reason. And so thankful 🥲 So thank you for the insight about the movie and sharing your hurt with us. Be bless , and like another person comment, do not worry about your niece, the Lord will provide a way for her through you or others. May His peace be with you and those reading me.
THANK YOU from the bottom of my soul for being so transparent and contrite and honest with God. This is an encouraging, instructive, and convicting example to the rest of us! Remember that His grace IS *sufficient,* and He always gives grace to the spiritually *humble* , as you clearly appear to be in your words. I pray that the Lord will use what you've written to convict the many sinful women here who continue to justify and defend this vile and truly evil movie. May they come under the conviction of the Holy Spirit just as you have and also begin warning others NOT to see this trash instead of encouraging people to do so!
A few months ago, I saw the trailer for this movie. When the trailer started, I thought, wow I really want to watch this movie! I even added the premiers date to my calendar right away. As I went back to watch the rest of the trailer, I quickly felt uncomfortable and knew it was a movie I probably shouldn’t watch. I knew I shouldn’t watch it exactly because of the reasons you listed. Even the trailer was a bit steamy and I know that nothing beneficial or edifying will come from watching a movie like that. While I am sure the story line is nice, anyone who has the fear of the Lord would not feel comfortable watching.
Thank you! I needed this! My ladies group was planning on going together. I know for me personally seeing the scenes would've provoked lust and insecurity. I desire to honor Jesus in all that I do, and this message really helped me to not fall.
Having seen the movie, they for sure could have portrayed their consummation way differently. I think their point was to make the viewer see how Angel was feeling, how this was different from any other time she had (being a prostitute she was used to being used as an object for lust), which I'd say is very applicable for today's women. They could have portrayed this same feeling through significantly less graphic storytelling, however. As for its portrayal of Hosea, I feel that the words ' inspired by ' rather than 'based off of' would suite the story far better, as it is definitely not a true retelling of Hosea, just a story sparked by the notion of a godly man marrying a prostitute and what that might look like.
Though in terms of it having a progressive theme, I must say that as blatantly true as the fact of us being sinners and us needing to fall to our knees and repent before God is, so is the fact that He loves us and wants to draw us out of the enemy's grasp and into His true love. This, I feel, was the true theme of the story, that God loves us so much that there is nothing we can do that would make Him turn His back on us, which is not contradictory to us needing repentance. Again, not a true interpretation of Hosea the book, but still a message that young women need to hear today; I just wish it was with different scenes
In other words, a carnal movie about the feminist agenda of sexuality. A total IDOLATRY of the human self. The actual book of Hosea has nothing to do with that nonsense you're spewing. "Very applicable to today's women"? What are you smoking?
The problem with the movie is that like anything influenced by the Devil it's distorting the message of God. The relationship between Hosea and his wife was akin to that of The Lord and Israel. It's poetry.
And the message of that book of the Bible really is: To Love God is to KNOW God...not to pretend you believe in Him while you pretend to satiate your carnal pornographic desires.
You're using God to serve yourself, instead of the other way around, that's the sign of idolatry. Watch out.
Why not just watch Sex and the City then. I heard Becket Cook has great criticism on it given that he knows the main writer is pretty good.
I completely agree with your review. Well said. I wanted the sex scene to stop much sooner. I have read the book and seen the movie. There were multiple times that I was thinking, God that is how you love us. You run after us. You never give up on us. You redeem us. We are the harlot yet you love us unconditionally. It is a good message. I also wondered if the sex scenes were meant to show God's design for sex...within marriage. 🤷🏻♀️just a thought.
Completely agree! The graphics could have been more discreet in those few scenes. I also think about the sexual brokenness of this day and age, and how a story like this could reach and really speak to this generation.
@@einarabelc5 I agree with your points about the movie and our culture. I wish you had shown more love in how you talked to the OP, who was not rude or inflammatory at all. Not everybody has reached the same understanding or maturity, and Jesus was gentle with individuals as He corrected them. Something to think about.
I agree with how you about responded to her saying it was all "progressive themes" -- that we are just a bunch of sinners only deserving of hell. I'm not denying that, but I do like how in Romans 5:6, Paul starts off with "For while we were still WEAK, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly." -- he later goes on to describe humans as "sinners" and "enemies" -- but I think it's telling that he starts off with "WEAK" people in need or rescue. Of course, we were enemies of God, but Paul would say that isn't rooted in our willful hatred of him, but in our weakness as slaves. We need rescuing.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. It’s so refreshing to hear what I have been struggling to put into words. I have so many friends that are excited about this movie and my reaction was I don’t want to see it. This honestly has encouraged me to stick with my convictions and not give into peer pressure.
Its sad that christians even have to debate this..It just shows how culture has water-downed the gospel and people are okay with that.
I have read the book many times. It really was a beautiful story of redemption. When I first saw the preview for it a couple of months ago, I was very excited about it. Then I started to see all this talk around it, some people were saying positive and some were saying negative. I went to see it last night with a friend, just to have my own opinion about it. Let me tell you one thing, I wouldn’t want to watch that movie with my husband. There is just way too much nudity. She could of had some covering on, but they chose to show her naked with just her hair covering the front. Plus the two steamy sex scenes, I think went way too far, was very uncomfortable, they took it all the way. And because of all these explicit scenes, that movie should be rated, not pg13. My daughter is 13 and i wouldn’t want her to watch it either. I completely agree with Alisa, this movie didn’t bring me to my knees repeating of my sins. I was disappointed quite honestly, I expected much better.
Does the book have sex scenes? I'm curious how the book compares
@@tiannad1378 it does and implies it but from what I can remember does not go into great detail. The main focus in the books is on redemption, “sex” was a small part of it aside from the prostitution part. The book was way better. The books even shows what is supposed to be “satan” and the Holy Spirit, you see and hear the spiritual battles going on in her mind, see how she feels unworthy of love, and how she doesn’t even recognize what love is when she begins to feel it for Michael. And Michael tries over and over to show her “Jesus” by having kindness and endless forgiveness towards her. The book, I’d recommend 10x more than the movie. She is right ⬆️. Movie was disappointing and I think skewed from what the true meaning of the story was supposed to be…
Not to mention in the books her friendship with Miriam is a hugeeee part of the plot that they completely mow over. In the books the Altman’s also have like 6 kids not 2 🤣 and angels relationship with little ruthie is a huge subplot as well and is a big part of angel’s healing process. She even helps Mrs Altman give birth! They mowed over that in the movie as well lol. So much that was important was missed. Too many flashbacks in the movie and not enough of the “present” that mattered most.
Same here. The book was absolutely beautiful. The movie disappointed and so did the author who also directed the movie.
But we can agree that we did not see any breast nor butt in the film. I don’t think the sex scenes were horrible, to me they were pg13. The silhouette of the women body is nothing to be ashamed about , like I said no explicit body part was shown .
I just watched this movie this past weekend. My husband put it on because it’s a Prime Video and under other suggested Christian movies. We had no idea what it was about and what other Christians were saying about it.
My husband and I were shocked with the sex scenes between the husband and wife. We remember when Kirk Cameron was in Fire Proof and how they substituted his real wife in the end scene when they embraced and kissed.
Wow what a difference in that type of acting out portrayed intimacy from then and now with this movie.
I would not think this movie is a “christian” movie. Yes married couples engage in sexually intimacy but it doesn’t need to be showcased on video. I don’t struggle with pornography but many christian brothers do, where is the concern for making them stumble.
Also I thought PG 13 meant parental guidance was strongly recommended. No Christian parent should be letting their child watch this movie, not even a teenage child.
Ahhhh I’ve only just become aware of who Kirk Cameron is via living waters , Ray Comfort et al.
Learning that they substituted his wife for kissing scene has just melted my heart.
I shan’t be watching this film!
Guys read the book…there’s more details and there’s nothing at all wrong with it. I LOVED the book so much and I was shook by part of it and usually Christian novels are predictable/cheesy.
@@TheAshliekay I did read the book after watching the movie. The book is pretty steamy also. But the movies sex scenes have penetrating movements and foreplay of him fingering her. Then they made the cover photo for the film them having sex on the hilltop. There is no reason for any of this content in a “Christian” movie.
Thanks for sharing I really don't want to watch it now. It should be rated X
How thwy FCC rates movies has changed since changing to G, PG, PG-13 and R.
I read the book over 20 years ago and it was an amazing Spiritual experience. The love of God was introduced to me through this story in a deeper way which open my heart for years to know and search for more understanding of how unfathomable God’s love is. The book has changed many peoples lives and reset their understanding of the intensity of God’s love. Francine River’s is a gift to the body of Christ. Her Mark of the Lion series of books was also amazing and life transforming.
Just realize the book and the movie may not be for you but trust me God will use them both to open hearts.
I saw the movie and it didn’t touch me spiritually the way the book did. But I brought a young troubled girl in her 20’s who has had a sexually difficult upbringing and guess what? She wept like a baby and received some healing.
So my advice is to pray for the movie to be covered by God’s Holy Spirit to heal many who don’t know how much God loves people who sin against him. He will redeem us if we say YES to him.
I’m sure Francine River’s would so appreciate your prayers for this story to change lives for God.
Amen…. I truly believe this movie is reaching the unsaved that will not go into a church but now thru this movie come to know of God’s redeeming love 💗 I read the book and saw the movie. Both brought me to tears at the message of God’s great love and forgiveness 😇
I respectfully disagree.. I can't and won't change your mind.. But I can at least challenge you to read and think on it.. Please read 1 Thessalonians 5: 22-24.
Agree that it is NOT for everyone! But it was for me! And it.was. beautiful! I cried too! I recommended it to others who I know also need healing.
@@mirmirultra10 Great Point about others coming to know of God's love -Yes and Amen to that! And same thing happened here, I was in tears! So Powerful!
Just because you cried and were driven by emotions that are feeding a need to be loved like Cinderella by a man on this earth instead of having your eyes on righteousness and the kingdom does not make this Holy and glorifying to God. I can't imagine standing before God and expecting that He would be accepting of this because He would not.
I read the book when I was in college, an unmarried virgin and follower of Christ. I remember one of the sex scenes I. The book made me feel so ashamed for even reading it. I couldn’t understand why so many Christian women had recommended it to me. Knowing that the movie scenes are just as steamy as the book scenes, I won’t be seeing it.
Thank you Alisa! I am in complete agreement. We need to get back to reading our Bibles and throw out this "Christian fluff". There is so much damaging media, books, movies, "Bible studies for women", being peddled to weak minded Christian women today!
@Lavender Sunshine I agree. I avoid those studies as well as anything "celebrity Christian" completely. I know you've read 2 Tim 3:1-7. There is so much deceit in the world today!
Thank you for saying what a lot of us are thinking.
I watched the movie this weekend with my husband and left the theatre weeping in repentance. It touched on some deep areas in my life when I saw a visual story of the unrelenting, freedom-giving, redeeming love we have in Jesus, despite how we “prostitute” ourselves to other idols. This movie was a powerful springboard towards Jesus for me.
The story is edgy and real, and wouldn’t be healthy for everyone to see. We averted our eyes at certain points for sure. I would highly recommend it to certain people, and not recommend it to others. Ultimately, we must pray and ask Jesus if this is something that would be a springboard towards Him, or a stumbling block.
If you have to hide your eyes in a movie how can you recommend it to somebody else?
@@LoriWingerBordessa i think because it was still a powerful message and it hit on some heavy topics and in reality there are people that go through the things that are portrayed in the movies. The movie could have done without the sex scenes but it was still a good movie without. My opinion is that they just shouldn’t have included certain scenes in there.
@@dhenderson319 I agree they should not have included the sex scenes. Powerful message or not. It reminds me of the small amount poop in the brownies example. I still wouldn’t “eat the brownies”. And I don’t have a problem with lust. But many do. Jesus said to avoid those things/flee from things that would cause you to sin. If your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out kind of talk. This movie seems to indulge the senses and sinful thoughts and not what the Lord taught us.
@@LoriWingerBordessa stfu
God loves all
Completely agree Lydia